Houston Astros outfielder Norichika Aoki has been added to the Samurai Japan roster for next spring¡¯s World Baseball Classic, the team announced on Wednesday.
The Japan national team revealed the first 18 players chosen for the roster a day earlier. The 19th man brings something extra to the table as he¡¯s so far the only player with MLB experience on manager Hiroki Kokubo¡¯s squad.
¡°I¡¯ve played in the United States for five years and have had so many occasions that made me feel Japanese,¡± Aoki, 34, told reporters from the clubhouse of his former team, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. ¡°I wanted to play for Japan if I had a chance and would absolutely like to contribute to the team.¡±
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