Report: Olivera released by winter league team to be with ill sister

Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera is on his way home after he and winter league manager Alex Cora agreed that he should be with his family.

Olivera was released by his Caguas team in Puerto Rico to be alongside his ill sister, who needs a kidney transplant, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's David O'Brien.

Initial reports claimed the Cuban national was released after returning a day late from a visit to see his sister. Cora didn't expand on the matter, but squashed the rumor that it was a dismissal. Instead, it appears the split was mutually agreed upon.

Cora cited mental fatigue and circumstances, not performance, as the driving force behind the release.

The initial plan for the 30-year-old defector was to play roughly six weeks in winter ball. He lasted less than five, appearing in 18 games while batting .275 with no home runs and two doubles.

Braves general manager John Coppolella commended Olivera for even playing in Puerto Rico, noting that high-profile signees typically take the time off instead of accepting their assignment.

"There aren’t many guys who sign for $60-million-plus who are willing to spend a month (playing winter ball) in Puerto Rico the year they sign,” Coppolella said.