Braves release Howard from minor-league deal

Ryan Howard won't get a chance to appear in the majors this season with the Atlanta Braves, as the club announced Monday it has released the former MVP from his minor-league deal.

After spending 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies from 2004-16, Howard's option for the 2017 season was declined by the Phillies, and the 2005 Rookie of the Year entered free agency for the first time.

He signed a minor-league deal with the Braves in April, but has hit just .184/.238/.263 in 38 at-bats at Triple-A.

Earlier this week, Howard, despite his struggles in the minor leagues, said he wasn't thinking of retirement despite entering his age-37 season.

"There's more in the tank," he said at the time. "If you walk away, don't walk away with something still left in the tank. Then you're wondering like, 'Man, what could I have done?' When I'm done playing, I want to leave it all out on the field."