Fujikawa signed with an independent league team in his hometown in Kochi, Japan on Monday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Fujikawa was granted his unconditional release by the Rangers on May 23, and he's decided to return to his home country. Given his age, it wouldn't be surprising if he's pitched his last game in the majors.

Fujikawa was given his unconditional release by the Rangers, the Associated Press reports.

Fujikawa told the Rangers he didn't want to be sent to the minors after he was designated for assignment. He'll try to find a major league job.

Fujikawa was designated for assignment Sunday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

After opening the season on the DL due to a groin injury, Fujikawa proved unreliable when he was finally healthy enough to join the Rangers a few days ago. Over his two appearances, he was tagged for two hits and three runs over 1.2 innings, and his uneven performances during his rehab outings leading up to his activation didn't suggest he was poised to turn the corner. With Fujikawa off the 40-man roster, the Rangers purchased Ross Ohlendorf's contract from Triple-A Round Rock.

Fujikawa (groin) will be activated from the DL prior to Thursday's game.

As expected, Fujikawa will return to the bullpen after beginning the season on the DL with groin tightness. In a corresponding move, the Rangers optioned right-hander Spencer Patton to Triple-A Round Rock. Fujikawa posted a 4.85 ERA, allowing 18 hits over 13.0 cumulative innings as a member of the Cubs in 2014.

Fujikawa (groin) is expected to be activated from the disabled list prior to Wednesday's game against the Royals, The Dallas Morning News reports.

Fujikawa will finally join the Rangers bullpen after an extended absence to begin the season. He'll likely serve out of middle relief for the Rangers, but could find some late inning work if he pitches well.

Fujikawa (groin) will be transferred from Double-A Frisco to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday to continue his rehab assignment, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Stefan Stevenson reports.

Once fully healthy Fujikawa will slot in as a middle reliever with the Rangers to start things off, but if he pitches well he could find himself in some high-leverage situations.

Fujikawa (groin) will pitch on assignment with Double-A Frisco on Tuesday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Fujikawa started the season on the DL but is apparently ready to start the final stages of his rehab after dealing with groin tightness at the beginning of April. The outcome of Tuesday's stint on the mound should provide more detail as to when he'll be able to make his Rangers debut.

Fujikawa (groin) will begin the year on the DL, the Dallas Morning News reports.

The Rangers announced their Opening Day roster Saturday, even though they haven't officially made the move with Fujikawa. He'll be joined on the DL by Tanner Scheppers.

Fujikawa is dealing with groin tightness, which will require multiple days of rest and could lead to a DL stint to begin the regular season, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Fujikawa was already a possibility to begin the season in the minors to rebuild arm strength, but now it appears a DL stint may be required as well. With Tanner Scheppers and Shawn Tolleson also possibly headed to the disabled list, Fujikawa's absence would leave the Rangers' bullpen highly depleted to begin the campaign.

Fujikawa may begin the season in the minors in order to build up arm strength, the team's web site reports.

Fujikawa's last two appearances have come in "B" games and has featured a fastball topping out around 90 mph. He made 15 appearances out of the Cubs' bullpen last season but it seems that Texas is leaning toward having him start the year in the minors to get in regular work.

Fujikawa has signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Rangers, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports.

The contract will also offer bonuses, likely tied to Fujikawa's numbers of appearances and other incentives. Fujikawa should slot in as a late-inning option in front of Rangers closer Neftali Feliz this season.

Fujikawa's option for the 2015 season has been declined by the Cubs, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Jujikawa struggled this season posting a 4.85 ERA with a WHIP of 1.85 in just 13 innings pitched. He is now a free agent and will look for a team in need of pitching relief next season.

Fujikawa struck out the only two batters he faced in Saturday's nightcap after retiring the only batter he faced in Saturday's continuation of Friday's suspended game.

Fujikawa has only thrown 9.1 innings for the Cubs this year, but he's struck out 12 and walked just three. He could still be the Cubs' closer this year, though his chances of winning that job are much lower than they once were.

Fujikawa (elbow) has been activated from the 60-day DL, MLB.com reports.

Fujikawa reported to the Cubs on Tuesday, but the team waited until Wednesday to officially activate him. His rehab stint at Triple-A Iowa went well, though he'll likely need to prove he's capable of throwing on consecutive days to stick in the major league bullpen. A trip back to Triple-A is a possibility.

Fujikawa (elbow) has rejoined the Cubs in Denver but will not be activated Tuesday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Fujikawa's minor league rehab assignment has come to an end but the Cubs will hold off on activating the right-hander for at least one more day. Although he fared well while on assignment, the team reportedly wants to see Fujikawa throw on consecutive days before giving him a spot in the major league bullpen, so it's at least possible he could be sent back to Triple-A Iowa.

Fujikawa (elbow) is scheduled to make another rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Monday's outing will mark Fujikawa's seventh with Iowa and 13th overall while on assignment. In his six innings with Iowa, Fujikawa has allowed just one run on five hits and one walk while striking out four. However, the Cubs want to see Fujikawa throw on consecutive days before entrusting him with a job in the major league bullpen, so he could be optioned initially upon activation, and simply kept at Iowa until the team feels he's ready.

Fujikawa (elbow) tossed another scoreless inning Friday night at Triple-A Iowa as he continues his rehab assignment.

He's nearing a return to the big league bullpen, and the results throughout Fujikawa's rehab work have been impressive as he's now allowed just one earned run over 11.2 innings across three levels.

Kyuji Fujikawa (elbow) allowed one run on two hits over one inning Monday in his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa.

Fujikawa, who is currently making his way back from Tommy John surgery, moved his rehab up to Triple-A on Monday after he made six scoreless appearances between rookie ball and Class A Wayne County. He could be ready to join the Cubs' bullpen after a handful of appearances in Triple-A.

Kyuji Fujikawa (elbow) will continue his rehab at Triple-A Iowa.

Fujikawa, who is currently making his way back from Tommy John surgery, has made six scoreless appearances between rookie ball and Class A Wayne County. The 34-year-old could be an option for the Cubs' bullpen in short order.

Cubs transferred RHP Kyuji Fujikawa to the 60-day disabled list.

This was merely a procedural move to open a spot on the 40-man roster. Fujikawa is still working his way back from a right elbow injury and suffered a setback during an extended spring training game in mid-April. He isn't expected to be an option for the Cubs until around mid-season.