Ray Given Release by Angels, Signs to Play in Japan

Veteran infielder Johnny Ray, who had asked to be traded or released by the Angels at the end of last season, was given his release Thursday and signed a two-year contract with the Yakult Swallows of the Japanese League.

Ray, 33, was under contract to the Angels for 1991 at $1.4 million, but the club will no longer be obligated, a spokesman said. The terms of his contract with the Swallows were not announced.

Ray, who batted .277 in 105 games and missed more than three weeks in midsummer with a strained shoulder, said he believed he had fallen into disfavor with Manager Doug Rader.

His ability to cover ground at second base seemed to come into question, and it was clear when the Angels acquired second baseman Luis Sojo from the Toronto Blue Jays in a December trade that Ray was no longer a factor at the position. The Angels, currently trying to invest in free-agent third baseman Gary Gaetti, were obviously seeking a way out of the contract.

The team secured protection at second base Wednesday with the re-signing of free-agent infielder Donnie Hill.