Pitcher Hideo Nomo, 39, who recorded two no-hitters in his major league career, announced his retirement Thursday.

Hideo Nomo, who pitched a pair of no-hitters and led a rush of Japanese players to the major leagues, is finished.

Nomo announced his retirement Thursday, agent Don Nomura said. Once known for a deceptive delivery and a devastating forkball, the 39-year-old Nomo was released by the Kansas City Royals in late April.

Nomo's 123 wins are the most in the majors by a Japanese pitcher. He was the 1995 NL Rookie of the Year with the Los Angeles Dodgers and is one of only four pitchers to throw no-hitters in the AL and NL.

"Hideo Nomo was a trailblazer," said Hall of Famer Tom Lasorda, who managed the Dodgers in 1995. "He represented himself and his country to the highest degree of class, dignity and character. I am so proud of all he did for Japanese players."

Out of the majors since 2005, Nomo made a comeback this year and earned a spot in the Royals bullpen. But slowed by an injury late in spring training, Nomo had an 18.69 ERA in three relief appearances in which he gave up 10 hits, including three home runs, in 4Z\c innings.

A star in Japan before he signed with the Dodgers, Nomo made an immediate impact in the majors. He led the NL in strikeouts in 1995 and went 13-6 with a 2.54 ERA.

Nomo finished 123-109 with a 4.24 ERA with the Dodgers, New York Mets, Milwaukee, Detroit, Boston, Tampa Bay and Kansas City.