The Atlanta Braves finally decided to cut the cord with Dan Uggla and released the struggling second baseman requesting unconditional release waivers on a former starter still guaranteed over $18 million for the remainder of this year and next.
The Braves have tried for the better part of a year to trade Uggla without success and made the decision to release him.
“We’ve been very active making calls for the last month,” general manager Frank Wren said. “We got to a point where we realized that this was probably our only avenue.”
The team suspended Uggla for one game on Sunday for just 30 minutes before the start of a game at the Chicago Cubs.
Atlanta acquired Uggla on Nov. 16, 2010, when Wren traded infielder Omar Infante and reliever Mike Dunn to the Marlins. Wren soon signed Uggla to a five-year contract worth approximately $62 million.
The Braves recalled utility man Tyler Pastornicky from Gwinnett to take Uggla’s spot on the 25-man roster. Going forward, rookie Tommy La Stella will remain the Braves’ regular second baseman.
The team maintains a one game lead over the Washington Nationals in the National League East, with a 53-43 record heading into the post All-Star half of the 2014 schedule.
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