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The Arizona Diamondbacks have released reliever Brad Bergesen. According to a tweet from FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, Bergesen wanted to leave so he could sign a one-year deal with the Chunichi Dragons, a professional team in Japan. The terms of the reported deal were not released.
Bergesen, 27, appeared in 19 games last season with Arizona, tossing 29 2/3 innings for the club. He posted a solid ERA of 3.64 and 3.57 FIP, although he was mostly used in low-leverage situations. He was drafted and developed by the Orioles and remained with the franchise until last year.
There was a chance Bergesen could win a bullpen job out of spring training, although the release makes it seem he knew he was destined for another stint in the minor leagues. After years of struggling, the D-backs finally put together a strong bullpen in 2012; the 'pen posted a collective 3.28 ERA, which was 10th in all of baseball.