Jason Giambi was released by the A’s yesterday, cutting short the struggling slugger’s return to his first major league club. Giambi hopes to catch on with another team for a pennant push this season and prolong his 15-year career.

“Jason is 100 percent healthy and definitely plans to continue playing,” his agent Arn Tellem said in an e-mail.

The 38-year-old Giambi, who has been on the disabled list since July 20 with a strained right quadriceps muscle, returned to Oakland this season after seven pressure-packed years with the Yankees.

“We’re at a point where we have a couple of first basemen, younger guys, we’d like to play,” A’s manager Bob Geren said. “This gives him a chance maybe to go somewhere else and play.”

Giambi was batting .193 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs in 83 games.

TRIBE DEALS PAVANO

In Chicago, Kelly Shoppach hit a two-run homer and added a solo shot, leading the Indians to a 6-2 victory over the White Sox.

Before the game, the Indians traded former Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano to the Twins for a player to be named later.

Mariners 7, Rays 6 (11)

In Seattle, Ryan Langerhans hit a walkoff two-run homer after Jason Bartlett homered in the top half of the 11th to drop the Rays seven back in the AL East.

Rangers 11, Angels 6

In Anaheim, Calif., Omar Vizquel drove in three runs with four hits, including one of Texas’ five homers, to down the AL West-leading Angels.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Marlins 3, Phillies 2

In Philadelphia, Ricky Nolasco pitched seven sharp innings and Nick Johnson and Cody Ross hit solo homers as the Marlins moved within six games of the Phillies, who got a two-run homer from Ben Francisco.

Rockies 6, Cubs 2

In Denver, the Rockies took advantage of the late scratch of Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano (lower back).

Giants 10, Reds 5

In San Francisco, Brandon Phillips drew a tie-breaking bases-loaded walk in the ninth as part of a meltdown by the Giants’ bullpen.

Nationals 7, D’backs 6

In Washington, Josh Willingham hit a two-run single in the seventh inning, and the Nationals won their season-best sixth straight.