PHOENIX — The Pittsburgh Pirates released catcher Benito Santiago on Sunday, eight days after the five-time All-Star refused a minor league rehabilitation assignment.
The Pirates also put outfielder Craig Wilson on the 15-day disabled list because of a hand injury, and purchased the contract of outfielder Ray Sadler from Double-A Altoona.
Santiago, 40, went on the disabled list — retroactive to April 15 — because of a viral infection. He was due to return April 30, but declined when manager Lloyd McClendon asked him to get back into shape in the minors.
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McClendon denied any connection between Santiago's determination to stay with the team and his release.