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The Atlanta Braves announced that they have released right-hander Freddy Garcia on Monday, signaling that they are comfortable with their pitching depth to begin the season. Garcia was signed to a minor league deal in late January, and was expected to get a shot to win a spot in the team's rotation during spring training.
The move comes as a bit of a surprise considering the Braves have already lost Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy to season-ending injuries and will begin the year without starters Mike Minor or Ervin Santana. They are still looking at external candidates for rotation depth, and could pursue other newly-minted free agent starters like Aaron Harang or Kameron Loe.
Garcia, 37, was 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA in 17 innings this spring training, and will now look to latch on with another team that is willing to give him a major league job. He has expressed that he would rather retire than pitch in Triple-A this season, so don't expect to see him in the minor leagues anytime soon. Garcia will likely be an attractive option for teams who have suffered rotation injuries this spring, and could sign very soon.