LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Marlins cleared a 40-man roster spot on Wednesday by releasing right-hander Edinson Volquez, who is questionable to pitch in 2018 as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
The 34-year-old was Miami's Opening Day starter in 2017, and he threw a no-hitter against the D-backs on June 3 at Marlins Park. But he experienced discomfort in his throwing elbow, and had surgery to repair his ligament on Aug. 4.
Recommended recovery time for Tommy John surgery is in the 12-14-month range.
President of baseball operations Michael Hill said the Marlins have reached out to Volquez's agent, and the club is open to signing the right-hander to a Minor League contract so he can continue his rehab with the organization.
"We'd like to re-sign him and keep him in the fold and continue his rehab and see by the end of the summer where he's at," Hill said.

Miami's roster is now at 38.
Last December, Volquez signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Marlins, and his salary for next year is $13 million. The Marlins are still obligated to pay the remainder of his deal.
"When you're dealing with Tommy John rehab, it's its own entity," Hill said.
Volquez went 4-8 with a 4.19 ERA in 17 starts. In 92 1/3 innings, he struck out 81. The highlight of his season was the fifth no-hitter in franchise history in early June, when he blanked Arizona, 3-0.
Volquez made his last start on July 5, and he went on the disabled list on July 7 with left knee tendinitis. During his rehab, he experienced a ligament tear in his throwing elbow, and Tommy John surgery was recommended.
A major reason the Marlins struggled to a 77-85 record is because their starting pitching didn't hold up. Volquez had a history of durability, and he was part of the Royals' 2015 World Series championship team.
"We agreed to stay in touch," Hill said. "Hopefully he will be ready to re-sign and continue his rehab."