The Diamondbacks have released veteran first baseman Russell Branyan. The move leaves Juan Miranda as the primary starter at first, with Xavier Nady the backup. Branyan hit .210 and was 0 for 15 as a pinch-hitter. "I told you guys a week ago that I really wanted to solve that (three-way platoon) because I really didn't think it was fair to the guys," manager Kirk Gibson said. " ... Russ will get picked up by another team. He's a class guy, I enjoyed my time with him. He's got a lot of baseball left in him."