Stewart experiment comes to a close in Chicago

Feb 18, 2013; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman

(2) poses for a picture during photo day at Fitch Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Ian Stewart experiment has officially come to a close in Chicago.

On Tuesday, the Cubs granted their embattled third baseman his unconditional release, following his 10-game suspension for violating his loyalty clause in his contract. Stewart had rejoined Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, upon the conclusion of his suspension without pay, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.

Stewart released a statement through his agent, agreeing that the release was the best course forward for all parties involved.

“The release is probably best for all parties involved,” Stewart’s agent, Larry Reynolds, said in a statement Tuesday. “After a lengthy rehab, Ian was starting to get back to playing the way we all had hoped. We will move on and I expect that Ian, with hard work, will find himself back in the big leagues at some point in the near future.”

Stewart was batting a minuscule .168  in 113 at-bats with Iowa this season, with five home runs and 20 runs batted in. Last season, he hit just .201 with five home runs and 17 RBIs in 179 at-bats after joining Chicago following a trade with Colorado.

The third baseman was under contract this season for a total of $2 million.