Fujikawa signed with an independent league team in his hometown in Kochi, Japan on Monday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Fujikawa was granted his unconditional release by the Rangers on May 23, and he's decided to return to his home country. Given his age, it wouldn't be surprising if he's pitched his last game in the majors.

Fujikawa was given his unconditional release by the Rangers, the Associated Press reports. Fujikawa told the Rangers he didn't want to be sent to the minors after he was designated for assignment. He'll try to find a major league job.

Fujikawa was designated for assignment Sunday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. After opening the season on the DL due to a groin injury, Fujikawa proved unreliable when he was finally healthy enough to join the Rangers a few days ago. Over his two appearances, he was tagged for two hits and three runs over 1.2 innings, and his uneven performances during his rehab outings leading up to his activation didn't suggest he was poised to turn the corner. With Fujikawa off the 40-man roster, the Rangers purchased Ross Ohlendorf's contract from Triple-A Round Rock.

Fujikawa (groin) will be activated from the DL prior to Thursday's game. As expected, Fujikawa will return to the bullpen after beginning the season on the DL with groin tightness. In a corresponding move, the Rangers optioned right-hander Spencer Patton to Triple-A Round Rock. Fujikawa posted a 4.85 ERA, allowing 18 hits over 13.0 cumulative innings as a member of the Cubs in 2014.

Fujikawa (groin) is expected to be activated from the disabled list prior to Wednesday's game against the Royals, The Dallas Morning News reports. Fujikawa will finally join the Rangers bullpen after an extended absence to begin the season. He'll likely serve out of middle relief for the Rangers, but could find some late inning work if he pitches well.

Fujikawa (groin) will be transferred from Double-A Frisco to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday to continue his rehab assignment, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Stefan Stevenson reports. Once fully healthy Fujikawa will slot in as a middle reliever with the Rangers to start things off, but if he pitches well he could find himself in some high-leverage situations.

Fujikawa (groin) will pitch on assignment with Double-A Frisco on Tuesday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Fujikawa started the season on the DL but is apparently ready to start the final stages of his rehab after dealing with groin tightness at the beginning of April. The outcome of Tuesday's stint on the mound should provide more detail as to when he'll be able to make his Rangers debut.

Fujikawa (groin) will begin the year on the DL, the Dallas Morning News reports. The Rangers announced their Opening Day roster Saturday, even though they haven't officially made the move with Fujikawa. He'll be joined on the DL by Tanner Scheppers.

Fujikawa is dealing with groin tightness, which will require multiple days of rest and could lead to a DL stint to begin the regular season, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. Fujikawa was already a possibility to begin the season in the minors to rebuild arm strength, but now it appears a DL stint may be required as well. With Tanner Scheppers and Shawn Tolleson also possibly headed to the disabled list, Fujikawa's absence would leave the Rangers' bullpen highly depleted to begin the campaign.

Fujikawa may begin the season in the minors in order to build up arm strength, the team's web site reports. Fujikawa's last two appearances have come in "B" games and has featured a fastball topping out around 90 mph. He made 15 appearances out of the Cubs' bullpen last season but it seems that Texas is leaning toward having him start the year in the minors to get in regular work.