Pirates release Erik Bedard

Veteran lefty Erik Bedard has thrown his last pitch for the 2012 Pirates. (Getty Images)

The struggling Pirates have released left-hander Erik Bedard.

The 33-year-old veteran has a 5.01 ERA in 124 2/3 innings pitched this season. He has also been trending downward since June and has logged a 5.49 ERA in the second half. Bedard will be owed the balance of his $4.5 million contract for this season.

Bedard's release means that Kevin Correia will once again become a permanent member of the Pittsburgh rotation. On the year, Correia has a 4.53 ERA across 22 starts and three relief appearances.

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