Austin’s goal is to recover from a medial collateral ligament repair in the right elbow
DeNA announced today that it has signed pitchers Edwin Escobar, infielder Neftali Soto, and outfielder Tyler Austin to player contracts through the 2023 season.
Escobar played in 70 games, second in the league this season, with 34 saves and a 2.42 ERA. Soto, who has hit 40 home runs for two consecutive years since 2018, has played in 117 games this season, his fifth year in Japan, and has a .266 batting average with 17 homers and 49 RBI. Austin was limited to 38 games due to injury and underwent medial collateral ligament repair in his right elbow in October at a US hospital.
Each player’s comments are as follows.
○ Edwin Escobar
“I am very happy and grateful to be able to play for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars again next season. I would like to train hard in the off season so I can be even stronger than this season. I will do my best to bring you back the champion flag. I love you!”
○ Neftali Sotho
“I am happy to be able to play as a member of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars next season. I want to train more during the off-season so I can contribute to the team throughout the year. Next season we will win the league and advance to the Japan Series. I will do my best to win and win. Keep supporting me.”
○ Tyler Austin
“I’m very happy to be able to play in front of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars fans again next season. During the off-season, I would like to improve my physical condition, focusing on my right elbow. victory in order to present the champion flag to the original team. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the fans at Yokohama Stadium next season.”
(Full Account editorial section)
