The Athletics announced Friday night that they have released Manny Ramirez after the former Red Sox slugger asked for his outright release.
Ramirez, who recently completed his 50-game suspension due to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, had been playing for Triple-A Sacramento, hitting .302 in 69 plate appearances for the A's minor league affiliate. The 40-year-old, who was riding a seven-game hit streak, was eligible to be called up to the major league team on May 30.
Ramirez hasn't played in a major league game since April 6, 2011, when he served as the Rays' designated hitter. He managed just one hit in 17 at-bats while playing for the Rays in '11 prior to the suspension. Oakland signed Ramirez to a minor league contract in February.
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