PHILADELPHIA -- The Mets released second baseman Robinson Cano prior to Sunday's doubleheader against the Phillies.
The move comes a week after the slumping Cano was designated for assignment despite nearly $45 million remaining on his contract.
The Mets announced the news in their pregame notes and after manager Buck Showalter met with reporters before Sunday's games.
Cano, 39, sat out last season while serving his second suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. He batted .195 (8-for-41) this season with one home run, three RBIs and a paltry .501 OPS in 43 plate appearances for the National League East-leading Mets.