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Pirates roll the dice on former Japanese star Yoshi Tsutsugo

For a player that was once regarded as one of the next great power hitters, Yoshitomo “Yoshi” Tsutsugo has had his fair share of struggles when it comes to fitting into the Major Leagues. While it’s not clear what led to his demise, but he has a chance to revitalize himself once again as the Pittsburgh Pirates signed him over the weekend.

Yuki Yamada of Senkai Sports first announced the deal in a tweet Sunday afternoon, and MLB insider Jon Heyman confirmed reports shortly after.

After being designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this year, the 29-year-old Japanese-born first baseman was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for either a PTBNL or cash considerations after posting a .