Irabu to make comeback in independent league in U.S.

TOKYO, Japan - Former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu (file photo) has come out of retirement and made a contract with Long Beach Armada of the independent Golden Baseball League, his management revealed on April 27. Released by the Hanshin Tigers in the 2004 offseason, the 39-year-old Irabu started training at the start of the year with an eye on making his comeback and is set to return to the mound in May for his first competitive game in five years. (Kyodo)

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