Rangers’ reliever Fujikawa makes season debut

Fujikawa

Texas Rangers pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa pitches in an intrasquad game prior to a spring training game. (Lenny Ignelzi/AP)

ARLINGTON, Texas — Right-hander Kyuji Fujikawa was activated from the 15-day disabled list Thursday, and the Japanese reliever made his debut for the Texas Rangers.

Texas activated Fujikawa before the series finale against Kansas City, and he pitched a scoreless eighth. He retired all three batters he faces.

Right-hander Spencer Patton was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to make room on the Rangers roster.

Fujikawa was signed as a free agent last winter. He was placed on the disabled list before the season because of a right groin strain.

The 34-year-old reliever had a 3.86 ERA in 10 relief appearances for Round Rock.

Fujikawa signed with Texas after spending the last two seasons with the Chicago Cubs. His time with the Cubs included a 14-month layoff following Tommy John surgery.

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