Mariners release $50M Sexson

OAKLAND, Calif., July 10 (UPI) -- The Seattle Mariners Thursday released first baseman Richie Sexson, who signed a $50 million four-year contract with the club in 2004.

The announcement was made before the American League West last-place Mariners played the Athletics in Oakland.

Sexson, 33, hit 39 and 34 home runs in his first two seasons with the Mariners, but last year the total dropped to 21 and his batting average was .205. He was hitting .218 with 11 homers and 30 RBI this season.

"We felt that at this time it was in the best interest of the ball club, and in Richie's best interest, to make this move," General Manager Lee Pelekoudas said.