Blue Jays release Frank Thomas

Slumping designated hitter Frank Thomas was released Sunday by the Toronto Blue Jays, who cut the 19-year veteran one day after he became angry for being taken out of the lineup.

General Manager J.P. Ricciardi said he and Thomas came to "a mutual agreement" after meeting in the clubhouse early Sunday.

The move leaves the Blue Jays on the hook for $7,081,967, the remainder of his $8-million salary this year in the $18.12-million, two-year contract the 39-year-old Thomas signed in November 2006.

Thomas was hitless in his last 13 at-bats and had gone four for 35 since homering in three straight games. Known as a slow starter, he batted .167 with three homers for Toronto this year.