Pittsburgh ? The Pittsburgh Pirates finally ran out of patience with absent outfielder Raul Mondesi, terminating his contract Wednesday when he didn’t show up for the start of a three-game series against San Diego.

The Pirates cited breach of contract in ending all dealings with Mondesi, who was hitting .283 with two homers and 14 RBIs when he left them May 7 to return to his native Dominican Republic and fight a lawsuit.

Mondesi was paid approximately $192,000 of his guaranteed $1.75 million contract before leaving, but the Pirates are not required to pay any more money. He was due a $600,000 buyout if the team did not pick up his $8 million option for 2005.

Normally, clubs are responsible for the remainder of a player’s contract if they release him, but Mondesi voluntarily left the Pirates.

“Initially, we were supportive of Raul and wanted to help him through this situation, with the idea of him coming back to play for us,” Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield said. “But as time went on, and with us playing games every night, we had to make a call whether he was in or out. We gave him a deadline and he did not meet that deadline.”

The Pirates were so quick to rid themselves of all connections to Mondesi, they pulled copies of their monthly team magazine with Mondesi on the cover and rushed out a new issue featuring shortstop Jack Wilson.

Mondesi said he was too distracted by family worries and the lawsuit when he didn’t show up for the May 7 game against Los Angeles. Since then, the Pirates worked to get Mondesi back, but he told The Associated Press shortly after leaving that he wouldn’t play for them again this season.

Still, Mondesi could play for another team this season if he chooses. If he clears waivers Friday, he becomes a free agent who can sign with any team.