Yuki Matsui doesn\'t expect to come in and immediately close games for the San Diego Padres.
Matsui, 28, is among the new Padres relievers that will compete to replace Josh Hader, who became a free agent.
The left-hander can earn $33.6 million over five seasons if he becomes the team\'s closer. He could opt out of the deal after three years and $14.5 million if his pitching elbow remains healthy.
\"The fact of the matter is, I haven\'t pitched a single pitch in the big leagues yet. Maybe it\'s not realistic to say that I\'ll be pitching in the ninth inning as we start the season,\" Matsui said through an interpreter. \"But I\'d like to just go in there when given the opportunity, get outs and sort of build a trust from the team and from my teammates. Hopefully, I\'m in one of those high-leverage situations to pitch in games.\"
Via Associated Press