The Hanshin Tigers said Tuesday they will release Eduardo Perez after the former St. Louis Cardinals infielder struggled through a disappointing season with the Central League's cellar dweller.
Perez, who left Japan in June for treatment on a shaky right knee, batted .222 with three homers and 19 RBIs in 52 games for the Tigers.
Hanshin front office officials, meanwhile, indicated that they hope to retain the services of right-handed pitcher Buddy Carlyle for next season after the former San Diego Padre posted seven wins against 10 losses with a 3.87 ERA for the Tigers.
On Monday, the Chunichi Dragons said they would not seek a new contract with Ozzie Timmons, explaining that the former Tampa Bay outfielder did not fit into the plans of newly appointed manager Hisashi Yamada.
Timmons, who appeared in 83 games for the Dragons in his rookie season in Japan, batted .228 with 12 homers and 45 RBIs.