The Atlanta Braves have designated veteran pitcher Bartolo Colon for assignment, the team announced Thursday.

Colon, 44, an All-Star last season with the New York Mets, had been a disappointment this season, going 2-8 with an 8.14 ERA.

He returned Wednesday after being on the disabled list since June 6 for a strained oblique and a stiff back. Colon gave up six runs on eight hits and three walks over four innings of a 7-4 loss to the Padres -- the third straight start in which he failed to reach the fifth inning.

"I felt good, I just feel like I've kind of hit a rough streak, to be honest, and it's tough to just snap out of it," Colon, who is from the Dominican Republic, said through a translator after the game. "The reality is that I've been getting hit hard and that's the truth and you can't dance around it."

Colon, who lost for the sixth time in his past eight starts, had surrendered at least five earned runs in seven of his 13 starts this season. He signed a $12.5 million deal with the Braves prior to the season.

"We hated to do it,'' Braves manager Brian Snitker said of releasing Colon. "It wasn't easy because he is such a great guy and a wonderful teammate. But it just wasn't happening here.''

Unless Colon is traded or claimed on waivers, the Braves would be responsible for the remainder of his salary. If he is released and signs with another team, the new club would be responsible for only a prorated share of the $535,000 minimum.

"He's had a great career and he beat the odds for a while,'' Snitker said. "He was very appreciative of everything and I wish him nothing but the best.''

Mets manager Terry Collins didn't indicate whether the Mets would be interested in a return.

"He has had an absolutely tremendous career," Collins said. "I'm sure he'll land on his feet someplace. He's a pretty valuable guy to have."