Japanese pitcher Masato Yoshii failed to make the Colorado Rockies' 40-man roster and was waived by the team, Kyodo News Service reported Wednesday.
According to the report, Yoshii already left Tucson, Ariz., site of the team's training camp.
Any team can claim Yoshii before Wednesday's deadline, but it is not likely to happen because of his $1.5 million salary, the report said.
Under his contract, Yoshii has the right to become a free agent since he didn't make the roster. After he becomes a free agent, Yoshii can sign a new contract with any team.
The Rockies were looking to trade Yoshii, 35, but it never worked out.
Yoshii joined the New York Mets in 1998 after playing for the Kintetsu Buffaloes and Yakult Swallows for 13 years. He posted an 18-16 record over two seasons before signing with the Rockies via free agency prior to last season, when he had a disappointing 6-15 record.
Yakult is interested in re-acquiring the veteran right-hander. Kanji Maruyama, head of baseball operations for the Swallows, said Wednesday the Central League club "is ready to sign him if he makes clear he will return to Japanese baseball."