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Braves release former MVP Ryan Howard from minor league deal

In this photo taken Wednesday, May 3, 2017, and provided by the Gwinnett Braves, Gwinnett Braves' Ryan Howard watches his two-run home run during the fourth inning of a minor league baseball game against the Durham Bulls in Gwinnett, Ga. Howard is an MVP, a World Series champion and once one of baseball's most feared sluggers. So what's he doing in the minor leagues at age 37? "I've still got something in the tank," he says. (Jim Lacey/Gwinnett Braves via AP)
In this photo taken Wednesday, May 3, 2017, and provided by the Gwinnett Braves, Gwinnett Braves' Ryan Howard watches his two-run home run during the fourth inning of a minor league baseball game against the Durham Bulls in Gwinnett, Ga. Howard is an MVP, a World Series champion and once one of baseball's most feared sluggers. So what's he doing in the minor leagues at age 37? "I've still got something in the tank," he says. (Jim Lacey/Gwinnett Braves via AP) In this photo taken Wednesday, May 3, 2017, and provided by the Gwinnett Braves, Gwinnett Braves' Ryan Howard watches his two-run home run during the fourth inning of a minor league baseball game against the Durham Bulls in Gwinnett, Ga. Howard is an MVP, a World Series champion and once one of baseball's most feared sluggers. So what's he doing in the minor leagues at age 37? "I've still got something in the tank," he says. (Jim Lacey/Gwinnett Braves via AP)

By Associated Press 1 min read

ATLANTA (AP) – The Braves have released former National League MVP Ryan Howard from his minor league contract after he struggled at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Atlanta signed Howard, a longtime star with the Philadelphia Phillies, shortly after the season began. He went to extended spring training in Florida before joining the G-Braves a couple of weeks ago.

He lasted only 11 games. Howard was released Monday after hitting .184 with one homer and five RBIs.

The Braves were hoping Howard could bolster an anemic bench and serve as designated hitter for interleague games. But his options were limited since he can only play first base and Atlanta already has Freddie Freeman.

Going in a different direction, the Braves completed a deal with Minnesota for utility player Danny Santana. The Twins received left-handed reliever Kevin Chapman and cash considerations.