PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Speaking to WEEI.com prior to the Pawtucket Red Sox' game with the Norfolk Tides Thursday night at McCoy Stadium, relief pitcher Hideki Okajima said that his goal is to be traded from the Red Sox organization after recently being taken off the team's 40-man roster.
"It was very disappointing," Okajima said through translator Jeff Cutler regarding being designated for assignment. "Having experienced that, right now I'm just working hard on myself to make sure I'm pitching well so I can put myself up for a trade at some point."
When asked if he wants to be traded, the 35-year-old said in English, "Yes."
"Being taken off the 40-man, to me, means the team no longer needs me," Okajima said through Cutler. "So I'm just looking to move on with my career at this point."
Okajima explained that he wasn't sure if his agent, Joe Rosen, had approached the Red Sox with the left-hander's request to be traded, but he had told Rosen of his desire to be dealt.
Okajima is 1-0 with a 4.32 ERA in seven appearances with the Red Sox this season. With the PawSox, he is 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA in eight outings, having last pitched Tuesday against Norfolk, striking out a pair in his inning of work.
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