RHP Marcos Mateo was released by the Padres so he could sign with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Central League, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Mateo, 32, went 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA in 26 appearances for the Padres last year. He missed the final two months of the season due to a neck strain.

Mateo was activated from the DL on Tuesday.

Mateo had been on the DL since early August with a neck strain, and he recently completed a three-game rehab assignment at Triple-A El Paso. He'll rejoin the Padres and provide bullpen depth down the stretch.

Mateo was placed on the 15-day DL on Saturday with a neck strain.

Lefty Frank Garces was recalled to replace Mateo, who will be sidelined until at least Aug. 21 as a result of the neck injury. Mateo, 31, returned to the majors this season after a three-year absence, and while he hasn't enjoyed much success, his peripherals suggest he's pitched better than the surface numbers would indicate.

Mateo's contract was purchased from Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday, Padres announcer Bob Scanlan reports.

Mateo has converted nine of 12 save opportunities for Triple-A El Paso, and owns a 1.86 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 39:10 K:BB ratio through 29 innings. He'll provide bullpen depth for San Diego at the Major League level.

Mateo has been placed on the 7-day DL at Triple-A El Paso with a strained neck muscle, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Mateo, a non-roster invitee to spring training, has put together a strong start at Triple-A, posting a 2.49 ERA with an 11.2 K/9 in 17 appearances (21.2 innings).

Mateo has been reassigned to Minor League camp, MLB.com's Corey Brock reports.

Mateo was a non-roster invitee to camp this spring. Over 10 innings of work this spring, Mateo posted a 5.40 ERA and allowed 15 hits. The 30-year-old reliever will head to Minor League camp along with Ramiro Pena and Jason Lane.

Marcos Mateo has been returned to the Cubs.

The Diamondbacks selected Mateo in December's Rule 5 Draft but couldn't find a use for him this spring in camp. The 29-year-old missed the majority of the 2013 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He owns a 5.04 ERA in 44 2/3 career major league frames.

Diamondbacks selected RHP Marcos Mateo from the Cubs in the 2013 Rule 5 draft.

Mateo should have no issues sticking in the big leagues next year. He has previous MLB experience -- collecting a 5.04 ERA over 44 2/3 innings between 2010-'11 with the Cubs -- and a big arm. The 29-year-old missed all of 2012 and most of 2013 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Mateo, an import from the Dominican Republic, deals a high-90s fastball and a high-octane slider that sits in the upper-80s.

Cubs sent RHP Marcos Mateo outright to Triple-A Iowa.

Mateo didn't throw a pitch this season and required Tommy John surgery in June. The 28-year-old right-hander will likely be sidelined until around mid-season next year.

Marcos Mateo underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Friday.

He's been on the DL all year with elbow issues, and the Cubs finally decided that he wasn't going to get better without going under the knife. Mateo will now be sidelined well into the 2013 season.

Cubs placed RHP Marcos Mateo on the 60-day disabled list with a right elbow injury.

Mateo came down with a bit of soreness in his forearm near the end of spring training. He missed a majority of 2011 with forearm troubles, so the Cubs are going to play it as safe as possible with the righty reliever.

Marcos Mateo will be shutdown for ''at least 10 days,'' following an MRI on right elbow.

Manny Corpas replaces him in the bullpen. Mateo was removed from Thursday's Cactus League game after feeling ''discomfort'' in his (right) throwing arm. It's worth noting Mateo missed the majority of last season because of a forearm strain, though it's not currently known if the two injuries are related.

Marcos Mateo is scheduled to undergo an MRI Thursday night on his right forearm.

Mateo was removed from Thursday's Cactus League game after feeling some discomfort in his throwing arm. He missed half of the 2011 season with forearm issues, so there's obviously considerable concern in Cubs camp.

Marcos Mateo was pulled from Thursday's Cactus League game with an apparent arm injury.

Mateo was immediately taken to Cubs' spring training complex to be evaluated. The 27-year-old right-hander missed a large chunk of the 2012 season because of a forearm strain, but it's not known whether this most recent issue is in any way related.

Marcos Mateo is expected to miss 4-5 weeks with a right forearm strain.

Doctors did not find any ligament damage, so he still has a chance at returning later this summer. The 27-year-old right-hander posted a 3.92 ERA and 25/10 K/BB ratio over 23 innings before being placed on the disabled list earlier this week.

Cubs placed RHP Marcus Mateo on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation.

Mateo was pulled from Monday's game against the Angels after complaining of soreness and will now get an extended period to recover. The 27-year-old has posted a 3.91 ERA in 23 major league innings this season.

Marcos Mateo exited Monday's game against the Nationals due to a right shoulder injury.

He's scheduled to undergo an MRI in the next couple of days, after which we'll know more about his status moving forward. Mateo, 27, has a 3.91 ERA and 25/10 K/BB ratio over 23 innings this season.

Marcos Mateo left Monday's game against the Nationals in the 10th inning with an apparent injury.

Mateo walked Jayson Werth to lead off the frame and recorded one out via a sacrifice bunt by Livan Hernandez before being replaced by Carlos Marmol. The nature of the injury isn't yet clear, so stay tuned for an update on his status.

Marcos Mateo pitched five scoreless innings and struck out six in relief against the Giants on Thursday.

Mateo allowed just two hits after stepping in for an injured Carlos Zambrano and gave the Cubs an opportunity to win the game. With the strong showing, he may have put himself in position to get a start next week in Zambrano's place. On the other hand, since he did throw five innings today and the Cubs were forced to use five other relievers in a 13-inning game, it's also possible he'll be sent down Friday because of the need for a fresh arm.

Cubs recalled RHP Marcos Mateo from Triple-A Iowa.

Mateo will be the seventh player to make his major league debut for the Chicago Cubs this year. He probably won't be the most prominent of that unexpected number, since he was moved to relief this year. On the other hand, since making that change, he's been able to strike out 11.8 per nine (while walking only 1.8 per nine) across three levels of minor league baseball this year. He might be interesting in holds leagues if he continues that success. Mitch Atkins will return to the minors to make room for Mateo.