Phillies release infielder Ronny Cedeno

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Phillies have released infielder Ronny Cedeno, leaving Cesar Hernandez and Reid Brignac the leading in-house candidates for backup infielder spots.

If the Phillies didn't add Cedeno to the roster by Tuesday, they had to offer him a $100,000 bonus to send him to Triple A.

The 31-year-old Cedeno has played for six major league teams including Houston and San Diego last year.

A non-roster invitee, Cedeno batted just .182 this spring (4 for 22).

It's also possible that the Phillies could go outside the organization to fill a spot. One veteran infielder available is Cesar Izturis, who opted out of his contract on Monday with Houston.

The 34-year-old Izturis is able to play multiple positions. Last year he appeared in 29 games for the Cincinnati Reds at shortstop, 21 at second base and one at third base.

Like Cedeno, Izturis, who has a career .293 on base percentage, is known more for his glove than his bat.

Hernandez would be the better offensive player than either Izturis or Brignac.

The Phillies have said they will be looking at all options.