Braves release scuffling Bautista

The Atlanta Braves ended the Jose Bautista experiment on Sunday, releasing the 37-year-old following a dismal two-week stint with the club, general manager Alex Anthopoulos confirmed.

In 12 games with the Braves, Bautista - who signed a minor-league deal with the club in April - managed a meager .593 OPS, going just 5-for-35 (.143) with two home runs, one double, five walks, and 12 strikeouts. Bumped back to third base after spending the bulk of the previous seven seasons in right field, his defense left much to be desired, too.

"Jose was great. He worked his butt off when he was here. Total pro," Anthopoulos told David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Just tough for him, not having a spring training, coming into a team that was competitive and trying to hit the ground running, it's just tough in terms of if you still need some at-bats or timing or things like that, it's a tough spot to be in when you're in the position we're in."

Bautista will now look to catch on with another team, added Anthopoulos, who said the six-time All-Star has a standing offer to return to Triple-A Gwinnett if he can't find work elsewhere.

With Bautista gone, Johan Camargo will take over as Atlanta's everyday third baseman. Camargo, who had served as the Braves' shortstop in the absence of Dansby Swanson, owns a .772 OPS through 24 games this season.

"The No. 1 priority here is - to the 24 or 25 guys in that clubhouse, to the fan base, to the city - winning games," Anthopoulos added. "This is about the Braves at all times, and I think everybody understands that, no matter what."