The pirates give up C Cervelli after he asks for his release

The Pittsburgh Pirates have requested waivers from veteran receiver Francisco Cervelli, who had asked for his release in hopes of reaching an opponent, the team said Thursday.

Cervelli, 33, has played only 34 games this season after suffering the sixth concussion of his career on May 25. He was in rehab and was about to return.

"While Francisco was working on his rehab, we had many conversations with him and his agent about his scheduled play time for the rest of the season with the Pirates," said General Manager Neal Huntington. "Out of respect and gratitude to Francisco, we chose to pursue his release request to allow him to seize an opportunity that would potentially give him a chance to play more, as well as that of the season in competition.

"We appreciate who Francisco is and all he has done for the Pirates and the city of Pittsburgh.We think it was the right decision for the right reasons and wish good luck to Francisco."

Cervelli, in his 12th season in the league, is a .269 hitter in seven seasons with the New York Yankees and five with the Pirates.