The As released reliever Brian Fuentes on Wednesday, formallyconcluding their two-year relationship with the 36-year-old left-hander.Oaklanddesignated Fuentes for assignment on July 3 but had to wait for him to clear waiversbefore releasing him. Fuentes had a 2-2 record this season with five saves,three blown saves and a 6.84 ERA. He has made 26 relief appearances for the Asthis season.Fuentes season has been marked by a strong start followedby a terrible plummet, ultimately leading to his release. Though May 27 Fuenteshad a 2.84 ERA with a .222 batting average against after 19 appearances. Herecord his 200th career save on May 2, preserving a 4-2 As victory over theBoston Red Sox. Fuentes is just the sixth southpaw in MLB history to reach 200saves.However, over his final seven outings for the As, Fuentesperformance dropped markedly. He saved one game but blew two other saveopportunities and posted a 0-2 record, a 19.50 ERA and a .452 opponents battingaverage.Fuentes last pitched for the As on June 30, allowing anearned run, two hits and a walk in one and a third innings against the TexasRangers. He allowed nine runs over his final four appearances for the As.Fuentes ERA this season is the highest of his career. Lastyear for Oaklandhe saved 12 games and had an ERA of 3.70.
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