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Phillies decline 2016 club option on Cliff Lee, pay $12.5 million buyout

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PHILADELPHIA - The Cliff Lee era in Philadelphia is officially over -- again.

Tuesday afternoon, the Philadelphia Phillies declined the left hander's $27.5 million team option for 2016, and will instead pay the $12.5 million buyout, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.

On Dec. 15, 2010, Lee returned to Philadelphia after a 364-day hiatus by signing a five year, $120 million contract. The 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner was dealt to the Seattle Mariners on Dec.