LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Scott Podsednik has declined his option to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers next season.

Podsednik made his decision Thursday, a day after the Dodgers exercised their half of a $2 million mutual option. He becomes a free agent.

Podsednik joined the Dodgers in a late July trade from the Kansas City Royals. He became the regular left fielder after leg injuries to Manny Ramirez.

Podsednik, who turns 35 in the offseason, missed the final few weeks of the season with plantar fasciitis. He hit .297 with 35 steals and 63 runs in 595 at-bats.

The option carried a $100,000 buyout if the Dodgers had declined. Since Podsednik declined, he doesn't get the buyout.

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