Atlanta, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Atlanta Braves released Freddy Garcia on Monday after the veteran pitcher failed to make the Opening Day roster in spring training.
Garcia, who posted a 1.65 earned run average in six late-season appearances with the Braves in 2013 and started Atlanta's Game 4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series, went 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA in five starts this spring.
The 37-year-old had re-signed with the Braves on a minor league deal in January.
Garcia was passed over for a roster spot despite a rash of recent injuries to Atlanta's starting staff. Expected rotation members Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy will miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last week, while Mike Minor and Gavin Floyd will open the campaign on the disabled list.
The right-hander's release was one of six roster moves made the Braves Monday. The team also optioned pitcher Ryan Buchter and outfielders Jose Constanza and Joey Terdoslavich to Triple-A Gwinnett and reassigned infielders Tyler Greene and Tommy La Stella to minor league camp.
[SportsNetwork.com]
