The Atlanta Braves released second baseman Damaso...

The Atlanta Braves released second baseman Damaso Garcia and signed free-agent utility player Jerry Royster, who earlier had spent nine seasons with the club.

Garcia, twice an All-Star in the American League, was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in a 1987 trade for pitcher Craig McMurtry. He injured his left knee early in the year and did not play at all last season.

This season, Garcia appeared in 21 games, hitting .117 with 1 home run and 4 runs batted in. He had not started a game since April 19 because of injuries and illness.