The Red Sox’s newest relief pitcher, Hirokazu Sawamura, started using Darude’s song “Sandstorm” as his entry song when he pitched in Japan after seeing Boston’s closest former Koji Uehara the use in the 2013 World Series.

The right-hander met the media via Zoom on Wednesday after signing a two-year, $ 3 million contract with an option for 2023. Escalators and bonuses could take deal to $ 7.65 million.

“I think Koji Uehara had a lot of influence in my decision-making process,” Sawamura said through an interpreter. “He told me a lot of good things about the Red Sox and his experience. He shared all his experiences with me. In 2013, when the Red Sox won the World Series, he walked out of the bullpen (at) Fenway with the entrance music from Sandstorm. And it was a really cool time for me. So I started using ‘Sandstorm’, the same music, in Japan. So I think Koji Uehara had a lot of influence and helped me get to where I am today.

Will he also use “Sandstorm” as an entry song with the Red Sox?

“It’s top secret right now. I can’t tell you. said Sawamura.

The 32-year-old had a 2.96 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 75 saves and 790 strikeouts in 352 outings (88 starts) in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization from 2011 to 2020. He averages 8 , 2 strikeouts and 2.7 walks per nine innings (868 ⅓ innings).

Sawamura spent his entire career with the Yomiuri Giants until they traded him to Chiba Lotte in mid-2020. He posted a 1.71 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 29 strikeouts. in 22 matches (21 innings) after the rally.

He throws a superior 90s fastball and split-finger fastball.

“I’m a baseball player and my job is to pitch at the highest level possible,” Sawamura said. “And over the last couple of years I’ve started to think about coming to MLB. And I believe MLB is the highest level in baseball in the world and I just want to see how well I can pitch at that level.

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