The Yomiuri Giants announced Thursday they have released infielder Justin Smoak from his contract, initiating the paperwork to put him on waivers to allow the first-year import to return to the United States.
If no other team puts in a claim on Smoak during the waiver period, the 34-year-old would effectively be released.
According a Giants front-office executive, because his family is unable to join him in Japan amid coronavirus restrictions, Smoak informed the Gants of his desire to leave the team and return home.
The Giants released a statement from Smoak in which he expressed his struggles because of being separated from his family and issued an apology to his teammates and the fans.
Smoak, who has 196 major league home runs, made his first-team debut with the Giants in late April. He played in 34 games, hitting .272 with seven longballs and 14 RBIs.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
