The Cardinals actually retained an option on Franklin that they could have exercised with his option. However, Franklin indicated little appetite for going to the minor leagues to rediscover form that had eluded him for three months.

"Ultimately it would have been take an assignment down to Memphis," Mozeliak said. "That doesn't address the part of him just wanting to get away and help himself. The only option we were left with was to release him."

Franklin caught a flight for his Oklahoma home Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.

Though several teammates knew of Franklin's release when they reached the park Wednesday, Mozeliak and La Russa told players of the move during a clubhouse meeting before batting practice.

In parts of four seasons as closer Franklin converted 84 saves, fifth most in franchise history. He inherited the role in 2008 from Cardinals all-time saves leader Jason Isringhausen, who experienced equally harsh criticism from a fan base that ultimately turned on Franklin

"A lot of times on the negative side what you did last overwhelms what you did earlier," La Russa said. "And that would be a shame in Ryan's case, because he's been outstanding for us."