Major League Baseball

Mets release pitcher Oliver Perez

Published Mar. 21, 2011 10:12 a.m. ET

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The New York Mets have released pitcher Oliver Perez two days after the left-hander allowed consecutive home runs to minor leaguers.

The Mets chose to absorb the $12 million remaining on Perez's $36 million, three-year contract rather than keep a pitcher who has been ineffective in trying to make the team as a reliever.

Perez was released Monday, three days after the team released Luis Castillo. The second baseman was set to make $6 million this season.

Perez had a spring training ERA of 8.38 in 9 2-3 innings.

His effectiveness slowly diminished after a 15-win 2007 season, and his velocity has been down since undergoing right knee surgery in 2009. Perez was 1-6 in seven starts to begin last season before being moved to the bullpen.

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