Miguel Gonzalez's tenure with the Orioles officially ended on Friday, as the right-hander cleared waivers and was given his unconditional release, making him a free agent.
Multiple sources had confirmed to MLB.com on Wednesday that Baltimore had placed Gonzalez on irrevocable release waivers. Over the next 48 hours, no other club claimed the veteran, which would have meant picking up the remainder of his $5.1 million salary for 2016. Releasing Gonzalez saves the Orioles about 75 percent of that contract.
Gonzalez was expected to be a part of Baltimore's starting rotation entering the spring. But in six Grapefruit League starts, he posted a 9.78 ERA, allowing 35 hits, walking six and striking out eight over 19 1/3 innings.
The 31-year-old signed with the Orioles in 2012 and made his big league debut that May, at age 28. He became a big part of Baltimore's staff, making 95 starts over the next four seasons and going 39-33 with a 3.82 ERA, helping the club reach the playoffs in both '12 and '14.