"The Submarine" Aoyagi Kōyō has been released by the Phillies, and fans are hoping for a return to Hanshin.

The former low-arm side pitcher for the Hanshin Tigers, Aoyagi Kōyō, joined the Phillies this year on a minor league contract. However, due to inconsistent performance during spring training, he started the season in Triple-A and was even sent down to Double-A for development. So far this season, he has not received an opportunity to move up to the major leagues, and today the Phillies announced his release.

Aoyagi appeared in 23 games in the minor leagues this season, posting an ERA of 7.22. After challenging the MLB through the posting system last offseason, he signed with the Phillies on a minor league contract in January. During spring training, he pitched in 4 games, totaling 3 innings and allowing 4 runs, resulting in an ERA of 12, with 6 strikeouts, 6 walks, and 1 hit batter, indicating poor control, which led to starting the season in Triple-A.

This season, he played in 19 games in Triple-A, with 2 starts, suffering 1 loss and posting an ERA of 7.45. He also recorded 3 successful holds, pitching a total of 19.1 innings, with 16 strikeouts, but allowed 23 walks and 4 hit batters, resulting in a WHIP of 2.28. On June 26, he was demoted to Double-A for adjustments, where he started 4 games, achieving a record of 1 win and 2 losses, with an ERA of 6.97, totaling 14.1 innings, striking out 12 batters while allowing 15 walks.

Aoyagi Kōyō graduated from Teikyo University and was drafted by the Hanshin Tigers in the fifth round in 2015. His career record in Nippon Professional Baseball stands at 61 wins and 47 losses, with an ERA of 3.08. He was the Central League winning pitcher in 2021 and 2022, and also the Central League ERA leader in 2022. Over his 9-year career in Nippon Professional Baseball, he accumulated 61 wins and 47 losses, with an average ERA of 3.08. Following the news of his release, many Japanese fans expressed their hope for him to return to where his dream began—Hanshin. His future remains uncertain, as it is yet to be seen whether he will return to Nippon Professional Baseball or seek other opportunities.