Nikkan Sports reports that Hisanori Takahashi will sign a contract with the Yokohama BayStars. Takahashi's major league career got off to a promising start, but he really struggled over the last two seasons, putting up a 5.57 ERA over 54 appearances. The 38-year-old figures to stay back in Japan for good.

Hisanori Takahashi has elected free agency. Takahashi spent most of 2013 at Triple-A with the Cubs and Rockies, putting up a 4.25 ERA over 38 appearances. He'll have to settle for a minor league contract.

Rockies acquired LHP Hisanori Takahashi from the Cubs for a player to be named later; assigned him to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Takahashi, 38, will provide organizational depth in the minors. He appeared in three games with the Cubs earlier this season and has a 1.98 ERA at the Triple-A level.

Cubs sent LHP Hisanori Takahashi outright to Triple-A Iowa. The 38-year-old lefty was designated for assignment on Tuesday and passed through waivers with ease. He will now act as organizational relief depth for Chicago.

Cubs designated LHP Hisanori Takahashi for assignment. Takahashi allowed two earned runs in three innings with the Cubs. The 38-year-old may draw interest on waivers.

Cubs purchased the contract of LHP Hisanori Takahashi from Triple-A Iowa. He made the Opening Day bullpen after posting a 4.39 ERA with 13 strikeouts over 18 1/3 frames this spring. Takahashi will work in middle relief.

Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan reports that Hisanori Takahashi has signed a minor league deal with the Cubs. He'll receive an invitation to spring training. Takahashi posted a 5.52 ERA in 51 games for the Angels and Pirates this past season, but he had a terrific K/BB ratio and boasts a 3.97 ERA and 1.27 WHIP for his career. He should have a good shot to earn a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.

Pirates released LHP Hisanori Takahashi. Takahashi was slated to become a free agent, anyway, so the Pirates are merely clearing a spot on the 40-man roster a little early. The left-hander will now seek employment elsewhere after putting up a 5.54 ERA over 51 appearances for the Angels and Pirates this season.

Angels optioned LHP Hisanori Takahashi to Triple-A Salt Lake. It's the second time he's been sent down in the last month. Takahashi, who has put up 4.93 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 42 games, will return next month.

Angels recalled LHP Hisanori Takahashi from Triple-A Salt Lake. Takahashi was demoted to the Triple-A level on Saturday but spent less than three days in the minor leagues. He will return to his middle relief role in Anaheim.