Braves reportedly release $125M All-Star, 16-year veteran with World Series experience originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Atlanta Braves are atop the NL East and trying to capture the division for the first time in a few years. Atlanta has been much better this season after what was a disappointing campaign a year ago. The Braves are still trying to figure out their roster as they make a push toward the postseason. On Sunday, Atlanta picked up a 5-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. “Matt Olson hit a three-run homer to back six strong innings from Bryce Elder, leading the Atlanta Braves past the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep,” ESPN wrote. However, Atlanta also made a roster move Sunday. The Braves granted veteran Carlos Santana his release from Triple-A Gwinnett, allowing him to pursue an opportunity with another team and potentially return to the major leagues. “Veteran first baseman Carlos Santana will be granted his release from Triple-A Gwinnett today and will be a free agent, sources tell ESPN. He's still looking to play and hopes to latch on with a team after hitting .292/.385/.382 with a pair of home runs in 104 plate appearances,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote. Santana was brought in as a depth option in case he was able to crack the Braves' major league roster. After all, Atlanta signed him just over a month ago. “Veteran first baseman Carlos Santana and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a minor league contract, sources tell ESPN. Santana, 40, will head to Triple-A, where he provides insurance for Atlanta and can try to get back to the big leagues after being released by Arizona,” Passan posted. This was a situation in which the Braves had little choice but to make a decision. With Santana's chances of reaching Atlanta becoming increasingly unlikely, granting him his release gives the veteran an opportunity to find another organization. Santana has made $125 million throughout his career and has earned both an All-Star selection and a World Series appearance. He now becomes a free agent who will have the opportunity to continue his 16-year MLB career elsewhere. More MLB news:
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