A decade ago, right-handed hurler Akimitsu Ito was one of the Swallows best young prospects

In 1987, he posted a 14-11 record with six complete games, and a year later he led the CL in wins with an 18-9 record while collecting 17 saves and compiling a 3.15 ERA.

But arm trouble began setting in soon after which eventually knocked Ito out of the entire 1991 season. Though he was able to recover and pitch well the following two seasons, he's been inconsistent ever since.

Playing in just a handful of games in 1997, Ito posted a 3-1 record with a 4.31 ERA. In all likelihood, Ito will remain in the background unless several of Yakult's younger and more reliable pitchers become sidelined.