Several teams are pursuing Orioles reliever Koji Uehara. According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, the Rangers, Pirates, Tigers and Twins have all shown interest in the right hander.
While he may not be a household name, Uehara has been excellent for the Orioles this season. Over his 41 appearances in 2011, Uehara has maintained an ERA of 1.80 to go along with his 0.69 WHIP which is tops among relievers who’ve logged at least 40 innings this year.
What’s more impressive are his strike out and walk totals. On the year Uehara has struck out 59 batters, giving him the 5th most K’s of any reliever in the league. He’s struck out more batters than Carlos Marmol, Jonathan Papelbon and Daniel Bard this season.
And then there’s his amazing command. Uehara’s walked 8 batters over his 45 innings of work for a K/BB ratio of 7.38.
Uehara originally signed with the Orioles as a starter, and while he was capable, his body couldn’t handle the workload. He started 12 games in 2009 with an ERA of 4.05.
His injury problems prompted the Orioles to use Uehara out of the pen, where he had shown success while pitching in Japan.
Koji was excellent for Baltimore as a reliever last season, posting an ERA of 2.86 with a K/BB ratio of 11 in 44 innings. Uehara even stepped up to close games for the O’s, converting 13 of his 15 save opportunities.
In his time spent as a reliever, Uehara has produced an ERA of 2.43 with a sub 1 WHIP. The 36 year old is making $3 million this season and is likely to have his $4 million option vest for 2012. At that rate and with his level of production, Uehara is very affordable.
As they are with fellow pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, the Orioles will be looking for major league level starting pitching in return for Uehara.
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