Schwindel agreed to a contract with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan on Sunday, Yahoo! Japan reports.
The Cubs granted Schwindel his unconditional release Sunday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.
Schwindel (undisclosed) was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Saturday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.
Triple-A Iowa placed Schwindel on its 7-day injured list Thursday due to an unspecified issue, Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register reports.
Schwindel was sent to Triple-A Iowa following Monday's game against the Nationals, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.
Schwindel isn't in the lineup Monday against the Nationals.
Schwindel isn't starting Friday against Miami.