BALTIMORE (AP) - Struggling reliever Ryan Franklin has been given his unconditional release by the St. Louis Cardinals, who ran out of patience waiting for the right-hander to return to the form he displayed last year.
Franklin was 1-4 with an 8.46 ERA and one save in 16 games. On Tuesday night against Baltimore, he gave up two runs and three hits, including a homer, while getting only one out.
His inability to be effective, even in a mopup role, led to his release on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old Franklin was with the Cardinals since 2007, going 20-15 with a 3.04 ERA. Last season he was 6-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 27 saves. He had 38 saves in 2009 and was on the NL All-Star team.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.