Astros release struggling slugger Jose Abreu

(Photo credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports)

The Houston Astros released struggling slugger Jose Abreu from their major league roster on Friday.

The former American League MVP is batting just .124 with two homers and seven RBIs in 35 games this season.

Abreu was demoted to the Astros' Florida Complex League team on April 30. The three-time All-Star played five games there and two games at Triple-A Sugar Land before re