9:56pm: Bob Elliott of The Toronto Sun reports (on Twitter) that Mathieson is joining the Yomiuri Giants for roughly $2MM plus a bonus. He will take over as their closer.
1:35pm: The Phillies announced that they released right-hander Scott Mathieson to allow him to pursue an opportunity with a professional team in Asia. The move leaves 39 players on the club's 40-man roster.
Mathieson, 27, posted a career 6.75 ERA with 7.0 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9 in parts of three seasons for the Phillies. He posted a 3.28 ERA with 9.1 K/9 and 5.5 BB/9 in 82 1/3 innings for the Phillies' top affiliate in 2011 and has a 3.75 ERA with 9.0 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9 in nine minor league seasons.
