The Chicago Cubs said Sunday they have released pitcher Junichi Tazawa, who received a non-roster invitation to the club's spring training after signing a minor league contract over the winter.
Tazawa can now enter into talks with any of the 30 MLB teams, including renegotiating a deal with Chicago. Cubs' manager Joe Maddon said he had nothing to say on the right-hander's future with the organization.
The 32-year-old threw 5⅔ scoreless innings during spring training, fanning nine while giving up two hits. Last year, he went 1-1 with a 7.07 ERA in 31 games with the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Angels.
In nine major league seasons spent mainly with the Boston Red Sox, Tazawa has a 21-26 record with a 4.12 ERA over 388 games.