LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Versatile Japanese left-hander Hisanori Takahashi could play a number of roles in the Los Angeles Angels bullpen next season, according to manager Mike Scioscia.
Takahashi, 35, who agreed to a two-year deal on Thursday estimated by local media at $8 million, could work as a starter, reliever or closer after coming over to Los Angeles from the New York Mets.
"We think he's going to fill a variety of roles we've been looking for in our bullpen," Scioscia said on Major League Baseball's website (www.mlb.com). "His ability to pitch anywhere from the sixth inning to the end and also give us starting depth is very important.
"Adding depth is very important. The fact he has pitched at the back end of games and closed games definitely makes our bullpen stronger."
Takahashi spent last season, his first in the major leagues, with the Mets. He posted a 10-6 record with 3.61 ERA and converted all eight of his save opportunities.
(Writing by Steve Keating in Toronto, editing by John Mehaffey)
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