May 11, 2008 Kazuo Fukumori has cleared waivers and is no longer on the 40-man roster, the Dallas Morning News reports. He is at Triple-A Oklahoma.
Our View:So much for any thoughts of Fukumori helping out at the back of the Rangers bullpen, huh?
April 24, 2008 Kazuo Fukumori has been recalled from the minors, according to the AP. The team placed Kason Gabbard on the DL due to his back spasms. Scott Feldman was also recalled, and will take Gabbard's spot in the rotation today against the Tigers.
Our View:Fukumori will likely see little time out of the Rangers' bullpen during his stint with the team. He surrendered six earned runs over a mere 1.2 innings of work this season.
April 13, 2008 The Texas Rangers have optioned pitcher Kazuo Fukumori to Triple-A Oklahoma, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View:Fukumori has struggled, earning an ERA of 32.40 through three appearances this season, and thus the decision to send Fukumori down to make room for pitcher Scott Feldman was easy.
April 2, 2008 Kazuo Fukumori commented on his poor first outing of the season, according to The Dallas News. He allowed three runs and two walks on Monday and said, "I wasn't nervous. The results were bad. I wanted to make a good first impression. It's bad because it's the start of the season, but it's a long season. I hope to do better next time." Fukumori will need to settle down if he wants a big role out of the bullpen this season.
April 1, 2008 Kazuo Fukumori displayed poor control on the mound in Monday night's loss to Seattle, as he allowed three runs on two hits over a mere 1/3 of an inning, with two walks (and two wild pitches). He will need to settle down if he wants a big role out of the bullpen this season.
