Hiroki Kuroda is returning to Japan. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
Right-hander Hiroki Kuroda is headed back to his native Japan to finish his career, according to reports.
After seven years in the major leagues, Kuroda will play for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp next season, Chugoku Shimbun and Sports Nippon reported Friday.
The 39-year-old Kuroda posted a 11-9 record with a 3.71 ERA, 35 walks and 146 strikeouts in 199 innings last season for the New York Yankees. He was 79-79 with a 3.45 ERA during his major-league career with the Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kuroda reportedly could have signed a one-year contract with the Yankees for 2015 but opted for Japan.
