Indians release Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson's brief tenure in Cleveland ended unceremoniously Tuesday afternoon, when the 31-year-old third baseman was released by the Indians with two years and $17.5 million left on his contract.

Acquired from Atlanta in August in exchange for Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher, Johnson managed just a .678 OPS with one home run and a 26.9 percent strikeout rate in 27 games for Cleveland, where he was unable to replicate the success that compelled the Braves to hand him a three-year, $23.5-million extension in 2014.

Johnson, who hit .321/.358/.457 (124 OPS+) in 142 games for Atlanta in 2013, has been worth -0.1 wins above replacement since receiving that ill-fated extension, posting a .644 OPS with a 3.8 percent walk rate over the last two seasons.

Designated for assignment earlier this month to accommodate Rajai Davis on the Indians' 40-man roster, Johnson has hit .280/.316/.411 over parts of seven seasons in the majors, managing a .314 average (.686 OPS) against left-handed pitchers.