Takashi Saito
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| Los Angeles Dodgers — No. 44 | |
| Relief pitcher | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Right |
| Major League Baseball debut | |
|---|---|
| April 9, 2006 for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |
| Selected MLB statistics (through September 24, 2006) |
|
| Wins | 6 |
| Strikeouts | 101 |
| Earned run average | 2.15 |
Takashi Saito (斎藤 隆 Saitō Takashi?, born February 14, 1970 in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan) is a relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is currently the team's closer, replacing fan favorite Éric Gagné.
Saito pitched previously for the Yokohama Bay Stars in Japan, compiling a record of 87-80 over 13 seasons. Like former Mariners closer Kaz Sasaki, Saito attended Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai. His success as a closer down the stretch in the 2006 season resulted in an 8th place finish in National League Rookie of the Year award, receiving two third place votes (Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez won the award).[1]
Saito finished 2006 with 24 saves in 26 chances, sported a 2.07 ERA and led all big-league relievers with 107 strikeouts. Lefties batted .229 off Saito, righties .129. Home opponents hit .201 off him, road opponents .152.
- ^ [1] "2006 NL Rookie of the Year" Retrieved on 26 February 2007.