LOS ANGELES — Andruw Jones, a $36.2 million bust with the Los Angeles Dodgers, was released by the team Thursday.

Heralded as the answer to the Dodgers' power-hitting void when he signed his rich two-year contract in December 2007, Jones was injured part of last season and was mostly ineffective otherwise, hitting only .158 with three home runs in 75 games.

"Obviously, this is a disappointing day for both us and Andruw, as we all had high hopes for him when he signed last year given his track record and everything that we had seen from him in the past and heard about him," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said in a statement. "I know that Andruw is also very disappointed in the way things turned out and the best thing to do at this point is to turn the page and we wish him well."

The 31-year-old center fielder reported to spring training overweight, then was booed roundly by fans as he struggled at the plate during the season. He had knee surgery in May and finished the season on the bench as the Dodgers won the NL West.

The Dodgers owe Jones $21.1 million, which he'll receive over the next six years.