Masumi Kuwata (桑田 真澄 Kuwata Masumi, born 1 April 1968 in Yao, Osaka, Japan) is a former Japanese right-handed pitcher. He was formerly with the Yomiuri Giants of the Central League. He pitched 21 seasons with the Giants, beginning in 1986. In December 2006 Masumi signed a minor league deal with the Pirates. Despite interest from the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Masumi chose Pittsburgh because he predicted he would have the best chance of breaking in the main club as a starter with the Pirates.
Kuwata participated in spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but injured his right ankle, ending hopes of getting on a major league roster at the start of the season. The Pirates did not release Kuwata, but placed him on their Triple-A Indianapolis Indians roster as a disabled player, giving him a chance to work his way up to the majors. He made his major league debut for the Pirates in June 2007.
Read more about Masumi Kuwata: High School, Retirement