Tateyama has decided to retire at age 38, the Kyodo news service reports.

He pitched in Japan last season but appeared in just eight games before an injury. He had a 35-43 record with 27 saves in Japan and had a 5.75 ERA in 61 innings in two seasons in MLB from 2011-2012.

Yankees released RHP Yoshinori Tateyama.

The 38-year-old right-hander was hit hard in his nine outings with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, posting a 6.08 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 17/3 K/BB ratio over 13 1/3 innings.

Yankees acquired RHP Yoshinori Tateyama from the Rangers in exchange for future considerations.

In other words, they'll get some cash. Tateyama has spent all of 2013 at Triple-A Round Rock, where he's posted a 4.24 ERA and 44/10 K/BB ratio over 34 innings. He'll join Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's bullpen.

Rangers signed RHP Yoshinori Tateyama to a minor league contract.

The deal comes just two days after the Rangers released the reliever. The 37-year-old had a 9.00 ERA in 17 innings in 2012. He will serve as minor league bullpen depth.

Rangers released RHP Yoshinori Tateyama.

Tateyama wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster, so the Rangers will give him a shot to catch on elsewhere. The 37-year-old has posted a 5.75 ERA over 53 appearances the last two seasons with the Rangers.

Yoshinori Tateyama (back) will throw a bullpen session Friday.

Tateyama has been dealing with some lower back stiffness, but it sounds like he's close to getting back on track. He's competing for a middle relief role.

Rangers signed RHP Yoshinori Tateyama to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

The Rangers declined Tateyama's $1.2 million option for 2013 back in October and are now getting him back on a non-guaranteed deal. If he does well in spring training, he may be able to earn a spot in the Texas bullpen.

The Rangers have discussed a minor league contract with Yoshinori Tateyama.

The team declined Tateyama's $1.2 million option for 2013, but they're evidently interested in bringing him back on a non-guaranteed deal. The righty allowed 19 runs -- 17 earned -- in 17 innings of relief this season for Texas.

Rangers declined RHP Yoshinori Tateyama's $1 million option for 2013.

Tateyama surrendered 19 runs (17 earned) in 17 innings of relief this season for Texas. The 36-year-old righty may decide to head back to Japan for the 2013 campaign.

Rangers recalled RHP Yoshinori Tateyama from Triple-A Round Rock.

The Rangers are adding five players Saturday when rosters expand, and are promoting top prospect Jurickson Profar from Double-A Frisco. Tateyama has an 11.37 ERA in 11 appearances (12 2/3 innings) this season and will be used in middle relief.

Rangers optioned RHP Yoshinori Tateyama to Triple-A Round Rock.

The move was made to clear room on the active roster for Luis Martinez, who's being recalled to provide emergency catching depth. Tateyama has registered an 11.37 ERA over 12 2/3 innings with the Rangers this season, and will likely be back with the big club before long.

Rangers recalled RHP Yoshinori Tateyama from Triple-A Round Rock.

Tateyama has been brilliant at Triple-A, but has struggled in his 8 1/3 innings with the big club, registering an 11.88 ERA over 8 1/3 innings earlier this season. He'll be used in a middle relief role until Mark Lowe returns from the DL.

Rangers optioned RHP Yoshinori Tateyama to Triple-A Round Rock.

Tateyama struggled in a middle relief role with the Rangers, registering an 11.88 ERA in 8 1/3 innings of work spanning nine appearances. In corresponding moves, Neftali Feliz was moved to the 60-day DL and Justin Grimm was added to the 25-man roster.

Rangers activated RHP Yoshinori Tateyama from the 15-day disabled list; optioned him to Triple-A Round Rock.

Tateyama has been throwing off of a mound with no issues, and will begin his rehab assignment this weekend in Triple-A. He should be ready to return to the Rangers' bullpen by the end of April.

Yoshinori Tateyama (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock Wednesday.

Tateyama has been throwing off a mound with no issues and is ready to try things out in a game. He figures to rejoin the Rangers bullpen in late April.

Yoshinori Tateyama (back) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday.

Tateyama threw his first bullpen Sunday, and could begin a rehab assignment this week. He remains on track for a late-April return.

Yoshinori Tateyama (back) threw his first bullpen session since March 29 on Sunday.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Tateyama is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment as soon as Friday. He could be back by the end of the month.

Rangers placed RHP Yoshinori Tateyama on the 15-day disabled list with back stiffness.

Tateyama hasn't pitched since last Thursday due to the back issue, so it doesn't come as a big surprise. The move clears the way for Robbie Ross to secure the final spot in the Rangers' bullpen.

Yoshinori Tateyama could begin the season on the disabled list due to back stiffness.

It's not clear how long he's been nursing the ailment. Tateyama holds a 6.30 ERA this spring but has struck out 12 over 10 innings.

Rangers exercised Yoshinori Tateyama's $1 million option for 2012.

An easy choice given the reasonable terms. Though he struggled a bit down the stretch, Tateyama pitched well in his first season stateside, posting a 4.50 ERA and 43/11 K/BB ratio over 44 innings. He'll pitch out of the Rangers' bullpen again in 2012.