Atlanta Braves

Braves release veteran left-hander Scott Kazmir

Published Mar. 24, 2018 11:15 p.m. ET

ATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Braves have released Scott Kazmir after the left-hander fell short in his bid to win the No. 5 spot in the team's rotation.

The 34-year-old Kazmir was acquired with Brandon McCarthy and infielder Charlie Culberson in the Dec. 18 trade that sent outfielder Matt Kemp to the Dodgers.

McCarthy has won a spot in the rotation but Kazmir struggled in spring training. He couldn't claim a spot left vacant when Luiz Gohara sprained his left ankle.

Kazmir will earn $15,554,483 on the final year of his contract this season.

Anibal Sanchez, signed to a minor league contract late in camp, is a candidate to serve as the fifth starter at least until Gohara is healthy.

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