Indians Release Masa Kobayashi

According to Japan's Sponichi, via NPB Tracker, Masahide Kobayashi was granted his release from the Indians on Sunday afternoon.  The 35-year-old right-hander was demoted to Triple-A in mid-May and there were rumors at the time that his release might be imminent.  Here's what Tim said back then:

The Indians signed Kobayashi to a two-year, $6.25MM deal in November of 2007.  It seemed like a good idea at the time, but he posted a 5.10 ERA and 5.4 K/9 in 65.3 innings in his Tribe career.

And here's what Kobayashi shared with the media Sunday:  “Nothing is decided at the moment and I am having my agent look for a team for me (in the United States). In the meantime I will just keep myself ready to pitch.”  It sounds like he's aiming to sign on with another MLB club.  Here's our impressively lengthy Masa Kobayashi archive.