MESA, ARIZONA – Former Hanshin Tigers outfielder Matt Murton, who had been taking part in the Chicago Cubs spring training as a non-roster invitee, has been sent back to the minors, the National League team said on Friday.

Last month, the 34-year-old slugger signed a minor league deal with the team where he made his major league debut in 2005, and had been called up to compete for a spot on the 40-man roster.

However, his comeback was interrupted when he had to have his appendix removed on March 2 after complaining of stomach pain only a few hours before the emergency surgery.

In his six seasons with the Tigers, Murton batted .310 in 832 games.