Hideki Okajima Fails Physical, Won't Take Part In Yankees Camp
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The Yankees were hoping former Boston Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima could help take the load off left-hander Boone Logan.
It's back to the drawing board.
Okajima has failed his physical and will not be present when pitchers and catchers report to Yankees camp Sunday, WFAN's Sweeny Murti reports.
The cause of Okajima's failed physical is unclear.
New York signed the five-year veteran to a minor-league contract in December, which included an invitation to Tampa.
The Yankees have a need for a second lefty out of the bullpen. Okajima was expected to compete for the job with Rule 5 pick Cesar Cabral.
The 36-year old suffered through a down year in 2011. Okajima spent most of the season in Triple-A Pawtucket and pitched only 8.1 innings at the big league level for the Red Sox. He went 1-o with an ERA of 4.32.
Okajima's numbers have steadily declined since his debut 2007 season in Boston, when he registered an ERA of 2.22 through 66 games.
Yankees fans, were you expecting big things from Okajima? Sound off below...
