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The Cincinnati Reds have released Shogo Akiyama

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We knew over the weekend that outfielder Shogo Akiyama wasn't going to the make the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. The only question remaining was whether or not he'd accept being optioned to the minors, something he did not have to do given the legalese in his contract. He has apparently refused said assignment, prompting the Reds to release him outright today. They'll be on the hook for his $8 million salary this year, and it remains to be seen whether or not he gets picked up by another MLB club on the eve of his 34th birthday. Happy trails, Shogo.