Pitcher apologizes for insensitive jokes

Giants pitcher Derek Holland has apologized for racially insensitive jokes he made during an appearance on MLB Network’s “Intentional Talk.”

Holland appeared on the show with Giants massage therapist Haro Ogawa, who was the butt of a series of jokes that seemingly mocked his Japanese ethnicity.

During the brief interview with hosts Kevin Millar and Chris Rose, Holland introduced Ogawa simply as his “hype man” and repeatedly bowed to him. At one point, Holland performed an Asian caricature, yelling a slew of Japanese phrases in a nondescript accent. Ogawa, a native of Japan, appeared to be in on the stunt.

After the interview came to light this week, Holland said he regretted the poorly considered bit.

“I apologize for what I’ve done and what I’ve caused,” he said in statements to the media, lamenting that his actions “became a distraction to the team.”

“I don’t want that. I don’t want to offend anybody,” he continued.

Holland said he apologized directly to Ogawa, as well as Giants bullpen catcher Taira Uematsu, who is also Japanese.

“The Giants were disappointed to learn of Derek Holland’s behavior on ‘Intentional Talk,’ ” the team said in a statement. “We do not condone that type of behavior nor does it reflect our organizational values. Derek has taken full responsibility for his actions and has made a public apology.”

Holland is scheduled to start Sunday’s home game against Texas, his original team.

Michelle Robertson is an SFGate.com writer.