Kaz Matsui clears waivers, becomes free agent

HOUSTON The 34-year-old Matsui was batting .141 this season and hadn't had a hit in his last 20 at-bats. He was in the final season of a three-year contract worth $16.5 million.

Matsui struggled with injuries in his time with the Astros and was placed on the disabled list four times. His best season in Houston came in 2008 when he hit .293 with 33 RBIs.

Matsui played for the New York Mets and Colorado Rockies before joining the Astros.