Baseball: No problems with Kuroda's elbow: medical exam

Hiroshima Carp right-hander Hiroki Kuroda had no problems with his pitching elbow as a result of a medical exam in the United States, the club said Tuesday.

Kuroda, who has stated his readiness to declare free agency with an eye on moving to the major leagues, plans to go to watch the World Series before returning to Japan at the end of the month.

Kuroda became eligible for free agency last season but decided not to exercise his right. He re-signed with Hiroshima on a four-year, 1.2 billion yen contract.

There was a clause placed in the contract that stipulates the team would unconditionally permit Kuroda to switch to the major leagues if he so wished.

Kuroda went 12-8 with a 3.56 ERA in 26 starts this past season. He led the Central League with 15 wins in 2005 and took the ERA title (1.85) last year.