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ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Braves have released outfielder Melky Cabrera in a curious decision and also released right-hander Takashi Saito.

The 26-year-old Cabrera hit .255 with four homers and 42 RBIs and started in 115 games. He was acquired by Atlanta as part of a five-player trade that sent right-hander Javier Vazquez to the New York Yankees on Dec. 22.

Cabrera made $3.1 million and would have been eligible for salary arbitration. The Braves had until Dec. 2 to offer a 2011 contract and could have traded him before then.

The 40-year-old Saito was 2-3 with a 2.83 ERA in 56 games and made $3.45 million, including $250,000 in performance bonuses.

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