Houston Astros outfielder Norichika Aoki has been added to the Samurai Japan roster for next spring's World Baseball Classic, the team announced on Wednesday.
The Japan national team revealed the first 18 players chosen for the roster a day earlier. The 19th man brings something extra to the table as he's so far the only player with MLB experience on manager Hiroki Kokubo's squad.
"I've played in the United States for five years and have had so many occasions that made me feel Japanese," Aoki, 34, told reporters from the clubhouse of his former team, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. "I wanted to play for Japan if I had a chance and would absolutely like to contribute to the team."