Bronx, NY –  The New York Yankees signed pitcher Hiroki year contract on Thursday.

Kuroda has spent his entire four years in the majors with the Dodgers and went 13-16 with a 3.07 earned run average over 32 starts last season.

"I feel happy to be a part of such a storied franchise, which is always in contention for a World Series," Kuroda said. "I am also very proud to be a part of this current team, which boasts so many great players. As a member of the Yankees, I would like to do my part by doing the best I can throughout the season. I hope that I can make a difference in achieving the team's ultimate goal, which is to win the World Series."

After a prosperous career in Japan, he came to the Dodgers in 2008 and pitched to a 41-46 mark with a 3.45 ERA in 115 games.

To make room for Kuroda on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated pitcher Kevin Whelan for assignment.