Yabuta returning to old club Lotte

The Chiba Lotte Marines said Monday they have agreed on a one-year deal carrying a salary of ¥40 million for right-hander Yasuhiko Yabuta, who has filed for free agency from the Kansas City Royals.

The 36-year-old Yabuta will return to his former club after leaving three seasons ago.

"I am happy that I could return to Lotte . . . the team I love. I want to use my experience from the United States and make my best effort so we can lead Lotte manager (Norifumi) Nishimura to a championship," Yabuta said.

Yabuta pitched for the Marines in the Pacific League from 1996 to 2007 before filing for free agency. He signed a two-year $ 6 million contract, including a $ 4 million option for 2010, but the Royals opted not to exercise his option for next season.

Yabuta, who pitched in just 12 games this past season, has a 3-4 record with a 7.14 ERA in 43 major league games.