Tsuyoshi Nishioka has officially signed with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Central League. Nishioka forfeited the final $3.25 million left on his contract with the Twins in order to head back home. The 28-year-old hit a pathetic .215/.267/.236 during his time in the states.

According to Sankei Sports in Japan, Tsuyoshi Nishioka has "agreed in principle" to a deal with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Central League. Nishioka was released by the Twins last week after agreeing to forfeit the $3.25 million left on his contract. The 28-year-old compiled a disappointing .215/.267/.236 batting line in 71 games with the Twins while playing terrible defense. He previously played eight seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan's Pacific League.

Twins released INF Tsuyoshi Nishioka. The release was granted at Nishioka's request, and, most importantly for the Twins, the 28-year-old has agreed to forfeit the $3.25 million he has left on his contract. Nishioka was a massive disappointment in Minnesota, batting just .215/.267/.236 in 71 games over two seasons while playing erratic defense. He now seems likely to return to Japan.

Twins sent INF Tsuyoshi Nishioka outright to Triple-A Rochester. Like the situation with Nick Blackburn, the move clears Nishioka from the 40-man roster. It also means that he cleared waivers. The 28-year-old infielder has been a huge bust stateside, posting a .215/.267/.236 batting line in 254 plate appearances while committing 14 errors. He's still owed $3 million next season while his contract includes a $4 million club option for 2014 or a $250,000 buyout.

Twins optioned INF Tsuyoshi Nishioka to Triple-A Rochester. That didn't last long. The Twins called Nishioka up from the minors on August 5 to give him another shot, but he went 0-for-12 in three games and looked awful on defense. He's a complete bust at this point. Trevor Plouffe (thumb) was activated from the 15-day disabled list in a corresponding 25-man roster move.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka is starting at second base and batting seventh Monday against the Indians. Nishioka was called up from the minors on Sunday after Danny Valencia was traded to the Red Sox. The 28-year-old had a terrible .527 OPS with the Twins last season and was hitting just .245/.309/.301 at the Triple-A level this year, so he isn't worth owning in fantasy leagues, even if he ends up getting semi-regular playing time.

Twins recalled INF Tsuyoshi Nishioka from Triple-A Rochester. He's taking the roster spot of Danny Valencia, though he won't actually join the team until Monday. It's a surprise given that Nishioka has done little to deserve another shot, batting just .245/.309/.301 over 84 games at Triple-A. He'll function as a backup infielder.

Twins optioned INF Tsuyoshi Nishioka to Triple-A Rochester. It's a surprising move, but the Triple-A level is exactly where Nishioka belongs. The 27-year-old Japanese infielder batted just .226/.278/.249 in 240 plate appearances last year and was 6-for-25 with one extra-base hit this spring. He's owed $3 million in each of the next two seasons.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that "multiple talent evaluators" have said Tsuyoshi Nishioka "just looks really lost this spring, in his hitting and in his defense." So, evidently nothing has changed since last season. Nishioka entered camp in competition for a bench role, but it's looking like he'll start the year at Triple-A. He's owed $3 million each of the next two years and it doesn't appear he'll be ridding himself of the "bust" label anytime soon.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka (finger) is expected to start at shortstop on Wednesday. Nishioka hasn't played since Friday due to a sprained left pinkie finger. The 27-year-old is batting .278 (5-for-18) this spring as he battles for a backup infielder job.