Atlanta Braves Release Veteran Second Baseman Dan Uggla

The Atlanta Braves have released struggling second baseman Dan Uggla, the team announced Friday.

[tweet https://twitter.com/Braves/status/490208219386880000 align=’center’]

The move was announced just five days after the veteran was suspended for the team’s final game before the All-Star break for reportedly showing up late to the ballpark.

Uggla has seen his playing time decrease significantly this season since rookie Tommy La Stella was promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett on May 28. After a rough 2013 season where Uggla hit just .179 with 22 home runs and 171 strikeouts, the 34-year-old has put together another disappointing campaign in 2014, hitting .162 with two home runs in 48 games.

The Braves acquired Uggla in a trade with the Miami Marlins in 2010, signing him to a five-year, $62 million contract. The three-time All Star is still owed around $19 million through the 2015 season, the final year of his contract.

Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@SportsCenter