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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have released outfielder Craig Monroe, who was designated for assignment last month after not hustling during a June 16 loss to Minnesota.

Monroe, an occasional starter, was hitting .215 with 3 homers and 16 RBIs in 79 at-bats.

While they didn't specifically cite the play for their decision to cut Monroe, the Pirates were unhappy when he jogged to first on a third strike that eluded Twins catcher Joe Mauer. Monroe was safe, but only after Mauer made an errant throw. The Pirates went on to lose 8-2.

Monroe did not play in the final two games of the series, and the Pirates then took him off their roster.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

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