Yusuke Kawasaki

Yusuke Kawasaki (川崎 雄介)

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 5' 11", Weight 182 lb.

• School Kyushu Tokai University
• High School Miyazaki Minami High School

• Born February 17, 1981 in Miyazaki, Miyazaki Japan

Yusuke Kawasaki is in his fifth season in 2010.

Kawasaki played for Honda Motors Kumamoto after college. After doing well in the industrial league tournament in 2005, he was picked in the fourth round of the draft by the Chiba Lotte Marines. He was roughed up as a rookie, allowing 11 hits and 8 runs in just 4 2/3 innings in 2006.

Kawasaki made major strides in 2007, going 4-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 48 outings. He allowed only a .203 average and walked just nine in 54 2/3 innings. His .238 opponent OBP led all Pacific League relief pitchers.

Yusuke was very good in 2008 as well, going 2-5 with a save, 3.00 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 65 games. He was second in the PL in appearances, one behind Kanehisa Arime, and was named Middle Reliever of the Year. He faded to 1-1, 4.74 in 2009 and allowed a .313 average.

The Marines sold Kawasaki to the Hanshin Tigers in April 2010.

Kawasaki's repertoire includes a fastball (high 80s), slider and circle change.

Source: Japan Baseball Daily