Uehara finalizes $3 million contract with Orioles

BALTIMORE – Right-hander Koji Uehara has finalized a $3 million, one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, who hope the former Japanese star will continue to excel as the team's closer.

The 35-year-old Uehara has endured two injury-riddled seasons with Baltimore. After serving as a starter in 2009, Uehara enjoyed success as a stopper in the latter part of the 2010 season.

He went 1-2 with 13 saves and a 2.86 ERA. He led AL relievers in fewest walks per nine innings and strikeout-to-walk ratio (11-to-1).

His new deal includes a club option for 2012.

Uehara is the first Japanese-born player in Orioles history. He is 3-6 with a 3.58 ERA in 55 games with Baltimore.