Twins release Tsuyoshi Nishioka

The Minnesota Twins have released infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka, report Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:

The #MNTwins and Tsuyoshi Nishioka are parting ways. Nishioka given his unconditional release.

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) September 28, 2012

The move was prompted by a request from Nishioka, and Minnesota granted the infielder his unconditional release. While the 28-year-old was under contract through the 2013 season with a team option for 2014, the Twins will not be responsible for the $3.25 million remaining on his deal.

The Twins obtained the rights to negotiate with Nishioka in the winter of 2010, paying $5.3 million to the Chiba Lotte Marines. Minnesota then paid him $6 million in 2011-12, over which the infielder hit only .215/.267/.236 with five extra-base hits over 233 at-bats.

Along with his struggles at the plate, Nishioka proved unable to handle the shortstop position he was purchased to play, committing 14 errors over the two seasons.

Despite his hefty price tag and the Twins struggles this year, Nishioka spent a majority of the season playing for the club’s Triple-A affiliate. Over 392 at-bats he hit .258/.315/.324 with 18 doubles and two home runs.