Atlanta Braves release Nick Swisher

The rebuilding Atlanta Braves released veteran outfielder Nick Swisher on Monday afternoon.

Swisher, 35, who was acquired along with outfielder Michael Bourn from the Cleveland Indians in August, was due to make $15 million this year, the most of any Braves player.

Despite being released, the Braves are responsible to pay Swisher unless he is picked up by another team, which would reduce their portion of the $15 million.

Swisher, who struggled last season with the Indians after having surgery on both knees, was hitting .238 in 17 games this spring. He did not hit any home runs and had only 4 RBIs.

Injuries have slowed down the former All-Star. Since 2013, he has hit only .224 in nearly 1,300 at-bats.

The Braves did receive $15 million from the Indians when they took on the contracts of Bourn and Swisher in exchange for Chris Johnson, according to reports.