The Pittsburgh Pirates have released right handed pitcher Ross Ohlendorf, who was expected to be a non-tender candidate next week. Ohlendorf was coming off a horrible season, and has dealt with injury problems the last few years. He would have made a raise through arbitration over his 2011 salary had the Pirates kept him around.
The move opens up a spot on the 40-man roster, allowing the Pirates to make a Rule 5 pick.