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Braves release Kazmir, owed $17.6M this season

Kim Klement / USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves have cut ties with their second highest-paid player.

Scott Kazmir was handed his unconditional release on Saturday, hours after "arm fatigue" limited him to one inning of work in a spring outing against the New York Yankees.

The left-hander, who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2016 due to injuries, is in the final year of his deal that will see him earn $17.6 million. The Braves will be on the hook for paying the total amount. Kazmir entered the day with a 4.66 ERA and 1.65 WHIP across 9 2/3 innings this spring.

The three-time All-Star was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in December along with Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, and Charlie Culberson as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Matt Kemp back to Chavez Ravine. Gonzalez was immediately designated for assignment and released and was eventually picked up by the New York Mets.

With Kazmir's departure, it's likely Anibal Sanchez will slide into the No. 5 spot in Atlanta's rotation to start the season.

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