Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Displaced Atlanta Braves starting second baseman Dan Uggla has been suspended by the team for Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs, the club has announced.
The Braves have not publicly disclosed the reason for the move, though the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Uggla was believed to have shown up late to the ballpark at some point this weekend.
Uggla, a three-time All-Star who hit over 30 home runs in five straight seasons from 2007-11, has endured his share of struggles at the plate over the last two years. The 34-year-old was not placed on the Braves' roster for the 2013 National League Division Series after hitting .179 for the season, and owns an anemic .162 average with just two homers in 48 games in 2014.
The struggling veteran lost his starting job to rookie Tommy La Stella in May and is still owed around $19 million on a five-year extension he signed with Atlanta prior to the 2011 campaign.
Atlanta selected the contract of infielder Phil Gosselin from Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. The 25-year-old ranks third in the International League with a .345 average and has produced five home runs and 30 RBI in 88 Triple-A games this season.
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