Cubs' Kyuji Fujikawa scheduled to rehab at Smokies Park

KODAK, Tenn. - The Tennessee Smokies, Class AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, announce today that Cubs pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa is tentatively scheduled to join the Smokies for tonight's series opener with the Birmingham Barons. Fujikawa is recovering from a strained right forearm and is tentatively scheduled to throw one inning during tonight's 7:15 game at Smokies Park.

Kyuji (que-gee) Fujikawa has been on Chicago's disabled list since April 13. In five games, he was 1-0 with a 12.46 ERA (6 ER/4.1 IP) and two saves in three opportunities. In 4.1 innings, the right-hander has allowed six earned runs on eight hits, walking one and striking out four. Prior to signing with the Cubs, the 32-year-old played 12 seasons with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Central League where led the league in saves in 2007 and 2011, and was named the Central League Most Valuable Setup Pitcher in 2005. The Kochi, Japan native signed a two-year deal with the Cubs on Dec. 7, 2012.