The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters announced the departures of infielder Rodolfo Castro, who hit 8 home runs this season, and pitcher Saurlin Lao. Both will leave the team after just 1 year in Japan, with Lao returning home around the time reports emerged of an arrest warrant controversy.
The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters formally announced on the 3rd that infielder Rodolfo Castro and pitcher Saurlin Lao will leave the team. Both will depart after just 1 year in Japan.
Castro appeared in 71 games this season and recorded 8 home runs, while his batting average was .215 and his on-base percentage was .279. In his Major League experience last year, he posted a .235 batting average, 19 home runs, 82 RBIs and a .741 OPS in Triple-A, among other figures.
Lao made 3 appearances for the top team this season, pitching a total of 5 innings with a 3.60 ERA. The departures of both players were announced as Castro's performance, including his 8 home runs this season, was being contrasted with Lao's.
In October, Castro suggested on social media that an arrest warrant might have been issued, and his return home was announced on the 15th. It was reported that he consequently returned home during the Climax Series.