Jason Giambi released by Oakland Athletics

Giambi had been on the disabled list with a quad injury since July 20, before which he had compiled a league-worst -- among qualifiers -- .193 batting average.

The release of the slugger cut short the return to his first major league club. It's unclear whether he will catch on with another club or whether this could be the end of a 15-year career.

"I would have no idea what the chances are of that," A's general manager Billy Beane said on a conference call. "Jason's one of those guys who will play as long as he can. My impression was he was going to try to continue", the Associated Press reported.

Giambi, 38, has 407 career home runs and a lifetime .282 batting average. In his eight seasons with the A's, Giambi put up numbers as solid as anyone in Oakland franchise history.

Giambi was making $4 million this season, so another team would owe him the prorated portion of the $400,000 league minimum.

The A's still remain responsible for his buyout.