Hideki Matsui released by Rays

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Rays have granted Hideki Matsui his release.

Matsui was designated for assignment last week and manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday that the team released Matsui at his request.

Matsui is now free to sign with any team. The 38-year-old was batting .147 with two homers and seven RBIs and was hitless in his last 16 trips to the plate.

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