Braves release Nick Swisher

In a significant financial decision, the Braves released veteran outfielder Nick Swisher Monday afternoon.

Swisher is due to make $15 million this year, the highest salary on the Braves’ 2016 payroll. The team is on the hook to pay all of it, unless he is picked up by another team, which would reduce their obligation by a fraction.

Swisher was hitting .238 in 17 games this spring, driving in four runs with no homers. His departure is a positive indication for veteran Jeff Francoeur, who was invited to camp on a minor-league deal two days before the full team reported. Francoeur was hitting .326 entering Monday night’s game with the Astros.