Atlanta Braves Releasing Dan Uggla
More info to come, but….
Hearing #Braves are releasing Dan Uggla
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 18, 2014
Story is being confirmed by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Expecting Phil Gosselin to be recalled to take his place (see update below). No official word yet… except for this:
The Braves have released 2B Dan Uggla. A corresponding roster move will be made prior to tonight's game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 18, 2014
Dan will have to clear waivers – he will – and then become a free agent. Teams will be free to sign him for the major league minimum if they wish, as the Braves will still be responsible for the rest of his contract: approximately $18.9 million for the rest of 2014 and 2015. This represents easily the largest amount of cash spent to eliminate a player from the roster: Derek Lowe was traded to Cleveland along with $10 million… but then he also had some actual trade value.
A milestone day – but not really one to celebrate.
UPDATE: Tyler Pastornicky has been recalled to take Dan’s spot for now. IIRC, there is a rule about optioning players to the minors… if you are sent down, you have to stay there (barring injury or a couple of other technicalities) for 10 days. Thus Philip Gosselin is – unfortunately for him – ineligible to return to the majors for another week.