By Bill Shanks
FOXSportsSouth.com
December 2, 2010
The Braves did not tender a contract to Matt Diaz by Thursday's deadline, making the veteran outfielder a free agent.
Diaz has been with the Braves since 2006. He hit .305 in his five seasons with Atlanta with 41 home runs and 180 RBI in 1,385 at bats.
The Braves claimed Joe Mather on waivers last month. The former Cardinals outfielder is a right-handed hitter and could replace Diaz on the roster. Mather also can play first base and could be the backup to rookie Freddie Freeman.
Diaz made $2.55 million last season and probably would have received a raise if he had gone to arbitration. Diaz said he would have returned to the Braves for a similar contract, but Atlanta was more interested in lowering his salary.
The Phillies reportedly have some interest in Diaz, as they are looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder to platoon with rookie Domonic Brown next season.
The Braves did tender contracts to second baseman Dan Uggla, starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens, outfielder/infielder Martin Prado, and relievers Peter Moylan and Eric O
