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Hiroki Kuroda rumors: Pitcher reportedly down to Yankees or Japan

The former Dodgers right hander's return to Los Angeles is looking less likely, as he's reportedly narrowed his options to New York or Japan.

Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

The Los Angeles Dodgers were rumored to be in the mix for free agent right hander Hiroki Kuroda, but a return to Dodger blue might not be in the cards, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

The 37-year-old Kuroda spent four seasons with the Dodgers before signing with the New York Yankees as a free agent prior to the 2012 season. In 33 starts for the Yankees last season, Kuroda posted a 16-11 record and a 3.32 ERA in 219⅔ innings pitched.

Los Angeles Times Dodgers beat writer Dylan Hernandez countered Rosenthal's report with a quote from Kuroda.

Hernandez added that the quote was from last week.

The Dodgers and Yankees are both in the market for free agent starting pitchers and Kuroda, an innings-eater, could be a low-risk, short-term option for the back end of either team's rotation.