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Phillies decline mutual option on Placido Polanco

Cincinnati Reds v Philadelphia Phillies

PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 22: Placido Polanco #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies catches a line drive during a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park on August 22, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Reds won 3-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)

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An expected move, Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News reports that the Phillies have declined their half of Placido Polanco’s $5.5 million mutual option for 2013.

Polanco will receive a $1 million buyout and will become a free agent. This was a pretty easy call for the Fightins, as the 37-year-old was limited to just 90 games this season due to back, knee and finger injuries and batted just .257/.302/.327 with two home runs, 19 RBI and a career-low .629 OPS in 328 plate appearances. After signing a three-year, $18 million deal during his last stint as a free agent, Polanco will almost certainly have to settle for a one-year deal with a modest base salary this time around. His days as a starting player are likely over.

As of now, the Phillies intend to keep Chase Utley at second base next season, so Kevin Frandsen and Freddy Galvis are the most likely in-house alternatives at third base. Neither option inspires much confidence, so Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. figures to explore the free agent and trade markets.