Atlanta has finally cut ties with the struggling second baseman.
After a year-and-a-half of terrifyingly bad performances, the Atlanta Braves have finally mustered up the courage to part ways with Dan Uggla, unconditionally releasing the struggling second baseman. Uggla's release was first reported by both Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and Joel Sherman of the New York Post, with the Braves confirming the decision via Twitter.
The Braves have released 2B Dan Uggla. A corresponding roster move will be made prior to tonight's game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 18, 2014The 34-year-old Uggla has been among the worst players in baseball since the start of last season, hitting just .175/.295/.332 with a 73 OPS+, atrocious defense, and a -2.3 WAR over his past 184 games. He is hitting a dreadful .162/.241/.231 (33 OPS+) in 145 plate appearances this season. Along with his horrid performance this year, Uggla has also lost his starting job to rookie Tommy La Stella and was recently suspended for one day by Atlanta for supposedly showing up late to the ballpark.
Uggla is still owed roughly $18 million on what remains of a five-year, $62 million extension he signed with the Braves upon being traded to Atlanta by the (then) Florida Marlins following the 2010 season. He played quite well over his first couple seasons with the Braves, combining to hit .227/.329/.421 with a 103 OPS+, 55 home runs, and 4.8 WAR during the 2011 and 2012 seasons, even earning an All-Star nod and leading the NL in walks in 2012.
Uggla could find himself in the majors again this season, if a team in need of a second baseman is looking for someone cheap and sees him as a possible rebound candidate. Teams such as the Giants, Reds, and Blue Jays have expressed interest in finding additional help at the keystone.