Kawasaki will retire after being released by the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in Japan on Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kawasaki last played in Major League Baseball in 2016 for the Cubs. He hit .237/.320/.289 in 276 games over his five-year major-league career.

Kawasaki will return to Japan to play for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 35-year-old infielder was released by the Cubs on Tuesday after appearing in 14 games for the club last year. Kawasaki put together a solid spring, compiling a .282 average and seven RBI over 17 games, but it appears he won't have any fantasy impact as he returns to his home country.

Kawasaki was released by the Cubs on Tuesday, the Chicago Sun-Times' Gordon Wittenmyer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs would have liked to keep Kawasaki in the organization, but he may have a better opportunity elsewhere. Regardless of where he ends up, his primary contributions will be infield defense and an excellent presence in the clubhouse, neither of which are rewarded in the majority of fantasy leagues.

Kawasaki started at shortstop and went 2-for-3 with four RBI in Monday's spring training victory over the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

With Addison Russell out of the lineup again nursing a sore left arm, Kawasaki had a big day at the plate, The 35-year-old is fighting to make the 25-man roster out of spring training, but if he doesn't, he figures to be a reliable veteran option the Cubs could call on down the road.

Kawasaki was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 35-year-old didn't exactly kick the door in with Iowa -- he hit just .255/.352/.312 with the top affiliate -- but he can play the middle infield positions and is a clubhouse favorite. He will likely be used sparingly down the stretch.

Kawasaki was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The 35-year-old infielder has seen just 38 big league plate appearances since the start of the 2015 season, and sticks around primarily because of his defensive versatility and his excellent presence in the clubhouse. He will return to serving as organizational depth at Iowa.

Kawasaki was recalled b y the Cubs on Saturday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs sent Jeimer Candelario back down to Triple-A in a corresponding move Saturday. Kawasaki, who hasn't been up with the Cubs since the first week of the season, will add outfield depth and a left-handed bat to the Chicago bench.

Kawasaki scored a run while going 0-for-3 in Sunday's loss to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

EDGE Analysis

After a brief two game appearance with the Cubs after Kyle Schwarber suffered his season ending injury, Kawasaki has returned to Triple-A Iowa, where he's had a positive impact on the team. Kawasaki has played in 12 games and has an OBP of .364, courtesy of his ability to draw walks. If the Cubs need additional infield depth, Kawasaki could be a viable option, especially if he continues to regularly get on base.

The Cubs optioned Kawasaki to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kawasaki was recalled last week to fill the roster spot of the injured Kyle Schwarber (knee), but he will head back to Iowa with Javier Baez rejoining the big club on Friday. Kawasaki will garner consideration next time the Cubs need to call up an infielder from the minors.

The Cubs added Kawasaki to the 40-man roster Sunday and optioned the infielder to Triple-A Iowa, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports.

EDGE Analysis

During four seasons between the Mariners' and Blue Jays' organizations, Kawasaki has logged the majority of his time at second base and shortstop, but third base has been his domain on occasion. With Javier Baez (thumb) landing on the DL to open the season, Kawasaki will serve as insurance in case another injury occurs to the Cubs' infield. If he does make an appearance with the big club, Kawasaki will be looking to parlay a spring slash line of .375/.455/.563 in 48 at-bats into regular season success, though he's known far more for his deftness with the glove.