Ohka set to play for Mexican club

MESA, Ariz. (Kyodo) Right-hander Tomokazu Ohka has reached an agreement to play for the Quintana Roo Tigers of the Mexican League, sources said Monday.

Ohka, who became a free agent after playing for the Cleveland Indians last year, is set to formally sign with the club in the coming days.

In 2009, Ohka, who turns 34 on May 18, went 1-5 with a 5.96 ERA in 18 games, including six starts. He had hoped to pitch in the majors this season as well but decided to ply his trade in Mexico after negotiations ended in failure.

Ohka joined the Boston Red Sox in 1999 and also had stints with the Montreal Expos, Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays.

He has 51 career major league wins, second most by a Japanese player after former Los Angles Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo's 123 victories.