The Cincinnati Reds announced Tuesday that they released outfielder Shogo Akiyama, who hit .224 in 366 plate appearances over parts of two seasons with the team.
The Enquirer's Bobby Nightengale reported earlier this week that Akiyama’s time with the organization likely was over after he was informed Sunday morning he would not make the Reds' Opening Day roster.
Akiyama becomes a free agent; the Reds will owe him $8 million for the final year of his contract.
Social media reactions to the Reds' release of their first Japanese player in team history: