Nakajima (wrist) signed a three-year deal with the Orix Buffaloes of Japan, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports. Nakajima had worked his way up to the Triple-A level in 2014, but is a career .252 minor league hitter. The Buffaloes will pay him nearly $4 million per season, so it likely wasn't a tough decision for the Japan-native to head overseas. His 2014 season was cut short due to a fractured wrist, but he expects to be healthy heading into the upcoming season.

Nakajima suffered a fractured wrist in Double-A Midland's postseason game Wednesday and will miss the rest of the season. The fact that Nakajima was even playing in this game and not with the Athletics demonstrates what a colossal bust he's been since coming over from Japan in December 2012 on a two-year, $6.5 million contract. With his offensive numbers barely translating to the Texas League, much less the majors, expect the 32-year-old Nakajima to return to Japan next season.

Hiroyuki Nakajima was demoted Wednesday from Triple-A Sacramento to Double-A Midland. Nakajima, who signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with Oakland in 2012, was batting just .128/.222/.179 in 45 plate appearances this season at Triple-A. The 31-year-old infielder can safely be labeled a bust.

Athletics sent INF Hiroyuki Nakajima outright to Triple-A Sacramento. Nakajima is now off the A's 40-man roster. He batted just .283/.331/.367 last season in the Pacific Coast League and is doubtful to reach the majors in 2014.

Athletics added SS Hiroyuki Nakajima to the 40-man roster. Nakajima, 31, will remain at Triple-A Sacramento, but he needed to be added to the 40-man roster so the team could designate Michael Taylor for assignment. The shortstop could garner a call-up if the A's need a utility infielder this summer.

Athletics optioned INF Hiroyuki Nakajima to Triple-A Sacramento. The 31-year-old shortstop only saw seven plate appearances in Cactus League action, going 2-for-6 with a walk and three runs scored. He'll play multiple positions with the River Cats in an effort to improve his versatility, potentially leading to a call-up as a utility player later in the season.

A's manager Bob Melvin said Hiroyuki Nakajima will be used at multiple positions around the diamond next year. Melvin mentioned that an increase in versatility could help Nakajima's chances of sticking with the big league squad. Nakajima slashed .283/.331/.367 at the Triple-A level last season. The 31-year-old has never played a game with the A's.

Athletics outrighted INF Hiroyuki Nakajima, removing him from the 40-man roster. Nakajima, who is currently at Triple-A Sacramento, is hitting .282/.336/.368 with four homers, 26 RBI and three stolen bases in 75 games. The 31-year-old shortstop was expected to open the season as the A's starting shortstop, but poor performance in the spring and a hamstring injury proved very difficult to overcome.

Hiroyuki Nakajima has upped his batting average at Triple-A Sacramento to .317. A's manager Bob Melvin said he's gotten good reports on the infielder, as well. "We're starting to see the player we envisioned," Melvin said. "There aren't any pending moves, but he's certainly putting himself in position."

Athletics activated SS Hiroyuki Nakajima from the 15-day disabled list; optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento.