Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez announced earlier today that infielder Jack Wilson was released by the club.

Fredi just announced that the Braves have released INF Jack Wilson.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 31, 2012

Wilson, 34 and an 11-year veteran of the majors, was struggling at the plate for the playoff-contending Braves. He was batting .169 in 40 games and 71 at-bats this season and was on the disabled list for seven weeks with a dislocated pinky finger.

The move clears the way for the Braves to bring back Andrelton Simmons, who is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the minor leagues soon and rejoin the big league club after that. Simmons has been on the disabled list but was batting .296 at the time of his injury.

The Braves have Paul Janish and Tyler Pastornicky at shortstop for now until Simmons can return and be added to the mix with the expanded rosters around the league.

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