clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Arizona Diamondbacks still targeting Hiroyuki Nakajima

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in desperate need of help at shortstop, and have recently shown interest in Japanese infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima. Nakajima hit .311 with 14 home runs for the Seibu Lions in Japan last season.

By Aaron Torres
Sarah Glenn

In their search for a new shortstop to start the 2013 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks have apparently set their sights on Japanese infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima.

The news came via Diamondbacks beat reporter Nick Piercoro, who tweeted the following on Tuesday:

"GM Kevin Towers said Hiroyuki Nakajima remains on the Dbacks' radar. Could see time at both SS and 3B."

The news isn't surprising for the Diamondbacks, who've spent a better part of the 2012 off-season looking for an upgrade at shortstop. Arizona has actively pursued a trade of outfielder Justin Upton, with the hopes of getting a middle infielder back in return.

Whether Nakajima ends up as that player remains to be seen. In 2012 the shortstop hit .311 for the Seibu Lions of the Japanese League, with 13 home runs, 74 RBI's and seven stolen bases as well.

In addition to the Diamondbacks, it has also been reported that both the Giants and Athletics have shown interest in the 30-year-old unrestricted free agent.