Atlanta releases Cooperstown-bound lefty Glavine

Cooperstown-bound left-hander Tom Glavine was released by the Braves today, SI.com has confirmed.

The Braves didn't think he had good enough stuff to get out major league hitters, according to sources. However, Glavine's velocity was improving in his rehab starts, and he was reportedly throwing in the mid 80s. The 43-year-old Glavine, who was coming back from shoulder and elbow surgery, threw six scoreless innings for Class-A Rome on Tuesday night and proclaimed himself ready to pitch in the majors again.

Glavine was to receive a $1 million bonus for pitching in the majors this year, but he didn't pitch one inning for the Braves.

It is immediately unclear whether there are new suitors for Glavine, but his longtime agent Gregg Clifton said the Atlanta resident is willing to consider pitching for someone else. Glavine had minor elbow and shoulder surgery in the winter with the hope of returning to pitch for the Braves.

Glavine compiled a career record of 305-203 over 22 years with the Braves and Mets. He went 244-147 in Atlanta, winning two Cy Young Awards.

FoxSports.com first reported Glavine's release.