CINCINNATI, May 24 (UPI) -- In a surprise move, the Cincinnati Reds released veteran closer Danny Graves.
The 31-year-old right-hander struggled this season and was designated for assignment, meaning the team has 10 days to release or trade him.
Graves, the career franchise leader in saves with 182, has allowed nine runs on 10 hits over his last three appearances, spanning 2 2/3 innings. He also has two blown saves this month.
"Danny's overall performance during the '05 season has been unsatisfactory and unacceptable, and just not consistent with the standards that we've come to expect in the Reds organization," said General Manager Dan O'Brien in a statement Monday. "It's an exceedingly difficult decision for us."
In his career, Graves is 41-43 with a 3.98 ERA. This season, he was 1-1 with a 7.36 earned run average and 10 saves.
The Reds recalled left-hander Randy Keisler from Triple-A Louisville.
