Popular former major league infielder Munenori Kawasaki has been released by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and is stepping away, perhaps permanently, from the game because of a nerve disorder, he said Monday.
After five years in the North American major and minor leagues, Kawasaki rejoined the Hawks, his first pro club, last March on a one-year deal. The Pacific League club had been interested in renewing his contract, but the 36-year-old has opted out.
Kawasaki was sidelined last July with pain in his ankles and has not been able to train and regain his fitness.