The Washington Nationals, owners of MLB's worst record, even found a way to release players badly.
The announced Friday that it is unconditionally releasing veteran third baseman Maikel Franco. That would not be especially noteworthy, except for the fact that is Friday is also Franco's 30th birthday.
Which makes things awkward.
Obviously, modern MLB teams aren't going to care much about how happy their players' birthday parties are, but the situation is another sad moment in a season full of them for the Nationals.
Franco joined Washington on a minor league contract last offseason, his fifth team in three years, and soon took over the starting third base position.