Mariners cut ties with Japanese star in shocking decision

The Seattle Mariners' timing on this move didn't make a ton of sense. 

On Tuesday, the Mariners released Shintaro Fujinami, according to multiple reports.

What was so weird about the timing? Fujinami has been dealing. He's allowed only one earned run since May began in Triple-A.

He may finally have been tracking toward a return to the big leagues. Fujinami hasn't pitched up in the show since 2023 with the Athletics and Orioles.

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His lifelong best work came in Japan.

In 10 seasons in the NPB, he had a 3.41 ERA and a strong 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Things did not go as well in MLB for Fujinami in 2023. He had a 7.18 ERA that year (64 appearances, 7 starts)

Seattle evidently felt that they'd seen enough. 

But it's kind of a bummer in the middle of the season to make this move, especially with how well Fujinami was pitching.

He'll just have to find a new home.

Maybe he'll head back to Japan, or he'll end up taking a spot with another MLB ballclub. 

Regardless, his lasting impact in Seattle won't be what anyone would've hoped for.

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