Thomas Hatch: Heading to Japan

Hatch is expected to sign a contract with the Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, Yakyu Cosmopolitan reports.

Hatch had been on the Pirates' 40-man roster but evidently was allowed to pursue an opportunity overseas. The 29-year-old right-hander holds a career 4.96 ERA and 61:33 K:BB over 69 innings at the major-league level covering parts of four seasons.