Softbank Hawks to talk about extension with Van den Hurk

The Softbank Hawks want to extend the contract of Dutch RHP Rick van den Hurk.

But earlier this month, the Hawks took him from the active roster to give him some rest. After he clinched the “rookie”record of consecutive wins for a foreign and new pitcher in the NPB, he lost his first game since his debut in June last year. And in that loss he was hit hard. In his last start before he was taken off the active roster, Rick lasted only five innings in which he needed 105 pitches. In those five innings he gave up two runs on eight hits. It is not clear yet when he will return to the active roster of the Softbank Hawks.

But now back to the head of this article. The Hawks are in the process of discussing a contract extension with Rick van den Hurk. The tall Dutch right hander is in the final year of a two year contract and after this season he will be free agent. The Hawks are preparing a multi-year deal to keep him in Fukuoka.

So far, Rick posted a 6-1 record in ten starts this season with an ERA of 3.41. He also posted a formidable strikeout/walk ratio of 4.92 (64/13)