Chicago White Sox minor league right-hander Hideo Nomo has been released, baseball sources said Thursday.
Nomo allowed four runs in three-plus inning in his first mound appearance of the season with Triple-A Charlotte on April 17 and was put on the disabled list with an inflamed right elbow on April 21.
Nomo started pitching in the bullpen at the end of May but the club decided to void his contract.
White Sox director of player development Dave Wilder said it would be better for Nomo to find another team to play for, citing a series of injuries to the 37-year-old.
His agent Don Nomura said on Nomo's official Web site, "Nomo has been released. He hopes to return this season after his elbow has healed."
Nomo will have to search for another team and, if he should decide to return to Japanese baseball, he will have to sign with a club before the June 30 deadline.
Once referred to as "The Tornado" for his deceptive breaking pitches, Nomo's velocity has dropped in recent years. He has a 123-109 record over 11 years in the major leagues from 1995 and 201 wins, combining his pro careers in Japan and the majors.
Orix Buffaloes deputy chief Shosaku Yokota said the Pacific League club has no intention of acquiring the services of Nomo, although it owns the right to the right-hander.
Nomo voluntarily retired when he went to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995 from the Kintetsu Buffaloes, who merged with the Orix BlueWave to form the Orix Buffaloes.