(Photo: Salina Canizales/Flickr)

According to several sources Manny Ramirez was released from the A’s earlier today.  The 40-year old asked for his release today and the A’s granted his request.

After serving a 50-day suspension for violating the MLB drug policy, Manny was eligible to play in Oakland on May 31st, but was never called up from Triple-A Sacramento.  In his time with the Rivercats he had a .302/.348/.349 slash line with 0 home runs and 14 RBI.

Manny’s agent released this statement shortly after his release:

 Manny believes he has demonstrated that he is ready to return to the Major Leagues. However, given that the Oakland Athletics could not give Manny any assurance that they plan to promote him in the immediate future he asked for his release. Manny thanks the A’s for providing him with this opportunity.