Reds release outfielder Akiyama

The Cincinnati Reds announced Tuesday they have released outfielder Shogo Akiyama. The news came two days after the Reds informed Akiyama he would not make the Opening Day roster.

The Reds signed Akiyama in January 2000 to a three-year, $21 million contract. He became the first player from Japan to play for the Reds, who were the last team in baseball to have not signed a player from Japan.