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| The St. Louis Cardinals have released struggling reliever Ryan Franklin. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images |
The St. Louis Cardinals have parted ways with veteran reliever and former all-star closer Ryan Franklin and unconditionally released the 38 year old on Wednesday afternoon.
Franklin was let go just one day after having yet another brutal outing on Tuesday night, a performance that saw Franklin allow three hits and two earned runs in the Cardinals 6-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
The Cardinals tried to be patient with Franklin, who was removed from the closer's role after blowing four saves in early April. But the organization's patience wore thin after a recent stretch that saw Franklin allow nine earned runs in his last four appearances. It had become painfully obvious even to the Cardinals front office who swore to stick with Franklin earlier this season.
"It just came to a tipping point," general manager John Mozeliak told the media on Wednesday afternoon. "We tried to give him an opportunity to get back on track -- multiple opportunities -- but unfortunately it just wasn't working out. We felt what was best for him personally and for the organization that we make this decision. Obviously, he was disappointed that it came to this for multiple reasons, but I also think he felt somewhat relieved."
Franklin departs with a 1-4 record with a 8.46 ERA and 1.84 WHIP on the season. Franklin had allowed nine home runs in 27.1 innings of work this season. While Franklin obviously had trouble on the field this season, he also had trouble with the St. Louis fans, whom he criticized for booing him after his fourth blown save in five appearances in early April.
Franklin was an all-star for the Cardinals in 2009, a season that saw the veteran close out 38 games. But Franklin did not even show a glimmer of hope of regaining any form that could justify his spot on a major league roster.
The Cardinals have not announced what they intend to do with the vacated roster spot. That will be determined on Thursday.
But as of Wednesday one thing is for certain. Ryan Franklin is no longer a member of the St. Louis Cardinals.
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