TOKYO -- Left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii said Monday he may be late for spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers because he is still waiting for a visa from the U.S. government.

Ishii, 28, finalized a $12.3 million, four-year contract with the Dodgers last week in Los Angeles and appeared Monday before reporters with club general manager Dan Evans.

Ishii told reporters it could take at least a week to obtain a visa, meaning he may not arrive at the Dodgers' Florida camp before pitchers' training starts Friday.

The former Yakult Swallows pitcher said he would give his all for the new team and hoped that fans back home would be pleased.

"I hope as many Japanese as possible will be interested in major league baseball games and be inspired by them," he said.

Evans said Ishii would be a boost to the Dodgers' pitching staff, adding: "While he plays with the Dodgers, I pledge the club will supply cheeseburgers anytime as he likes them."

Ishii, who throws a mid-90 mph fastball, went 12-6 last season with 173 strikeouts and a 3.93 ERA to help the Swallows win Japan's Central League title and the Japan Series.