Braves release Lucas Duda

The Braves have released first baseman Lucas Duda, Grant McAuley of Braves Radio Network tweets.

It’s an unceremonious ending to the second Braves tenure for Duda, who signed a minor-league contract with the team Aug. 5. Duda was previously a Brave in 2018, when they acquired the slugger from the Royals almost exactly one year ago (Aug. 29). While Duda was a useful bench piece for the Braves then, albeit over only 22 plate appearances, he didn’t make it back to the majors with the club this summer. The 33-year-old instead posted hideous numbers in 68 PA as a member of Triple-A Gwinnett, with which he batted .140/.235/.211.

At his best, Duda was a legitimate power threat with the Mets and Rays from 2014-17. Aside from an injury-limited 2016, he piled up at least 27 home runs in each of those seasons -- including 30-HR campaigns to bookend that four-year span. However, Duda hasn’t been anywhere near as formidable at the plate over the past couple seasons. After settling for a minors deal with the Royals in late March, the lefty-swinging Duda stumbled to a .171/.252/.324 line with four homers in 119 PA before they released him July 29.