CLEVELAND -- The Indians released right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka on Tuesday at his request, giving the Japanese veteran a chance to catch on with another team after failing to secure a spot in Clevelands rotation. Matsuzaka has spent the entire season at Triple-A Columbus after failing to win a spot in Clevelands rotation during spring training. After working through early season injuries, Matsuzaka has pitched well in recent weeks, going 4-4 with a 3.56 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 10 starts for the Clippers since July 2. But with the Indians rotation currently packed with solid starters, hes hoping to find work elsewhere for the stretch run. "We didnt have an immediate major league opportunity for Daisuke," Cleveland general manager Chris Antonetti said in the dugout in Anaheim before the Indians game against the Angels. "He had been throwing well in Triple-A, and thought that he may have a better opportunity elsewhere, so he asked for his release, and we granted it." Antonetti said he isnt certain whether Matsuzaka already has a new destination lined up, but he has been speaking regularly with Matsuzakas agent, Scott Boras. The Indians signed the 32-year-old Matsuzaka to a minor league deal in February after he spent six seasons with Boston, but Matsuzaka didnt make the 40-man roster. He was released before re-signing with Cleveland. "Early in the season, there were a number of things that went wrong physically, where he got pushed back, so he was never really a candidate to pitch," said Indians manager Terry Francona, who also was Matsuzakas manager with the World Series-winning Red Sox in 2007. "I dont know if its unfortunate," Francona added. "Its good for him to log innings for his career. Just giving him a chance to maybe go somewhere is good for him." Matsuzaka made an immediate splash with the Red Sox, winning 33 games and a World Series ring during his first two seasons after Boston won a lucrative competition for his services from Japans Seibu Lions. Matsuzaka has been slowed by elbow issues since 2009, and he won only 17 games over the past four seasons for the Red Sox. He underwent elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2011, returning to go 1-7 in 11 starts with Boston last season. His velocity was noticeably down at spring training with the Indians, and veteran Scott Kazmir beat him out for the fifth spot in Clevelands rotation. Matsuzaka then struggled with a strained oblique muscle while in the minors before returning to better form. The second-place Indians rotation looks sharp while they chase Detroit in the AL Central race. Justin Masterson, Zach McAllister, Ubaldo Jimenez, rookie Danny Salazar, Kazmir and injured right-hander Corey Kluber are all in front of Matsuzaka in the majors. "I think Daisuke is in a better spot now at the end of the year than he was at the beginning of the year," Antonetti said. "Hopefully he can get that major league opportunity and go help someone." Green Air Jordan 12 Retro . The recently retired Stern was elected Friday to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and will be enshrined with the class of 2014 on Aug. Cheap Jordan 12 Ovo For Sale . The scientists believe the small earthquake during a Marshawn Lynch touchdown was likely greater than Lynchs famous "beast quake" touchdown run three years ago, which also came against New Orleans during a playoff game. http://www.cheapjordans12retro.com/all-black-air-jordan-12-retro/ .ca! Kerry, Two nights after the Scott-Eriksson incident in Buffalo, the Bruins returned home to play San Jose. In that game, Zdeno Chara put a check on Tommy Wingels that clearly targeted his head. Gold Air Jordan 12 Retro . After dropping their final six games of December, the Wild opened the new calendar year with four consecutive wins. Following a loss to Colorado on Saturday, Minnesota rebounded the following night to blank Nashville 4-0, but then had the tables turned on them Tuesday. Real Jordans For Cheap Prices .Y. -- Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Wednesday that J.MIAMI -- James Jones and Rashard Lewis have exercised their player options to remain with the Miami Heat next season. Both moves were expected, and announced Tuesday. Jones is due to make $1.5 million this coming season, and is coming off a year where he scored 60 points in 38 regular-season appearances. Lewis will make just under $1.4 million, and averaged 5.2 pointss in 55 games in his first Heat season.dddddddddddd. Miami still has a team option to pick up on starting point guard Mario Chalmers, who will make $4 million next year if he remains with the Heat. Miami has until Sunday to exercise its option on Chalmers, who said on Tuesday that he expects to hear formal word from the team in the next couple of days. ' ' '
