NEW YORK -- The Angels announced on Wednesday that they have released veteran right-hander Doug Fister from his Minor League contract.
The Halos initially signed Fister last month to bolster their starting rotation depth, which had been hit hard by injuries to Garrett Richards and Tyler Skaggs. Fister's deal included an opt-out clause that allowed him to request his release if he wasn't added to the Major League roster by Wednesday. After being passed over for a start with the Angels on Tuesday, Fister exercised the clause, allowing him to return to the open market as a free agent.
Fister, 33, made three starts at Triple-A Salt Lake this season, logging a 4.02 ERA with five walks and 10 strikeouts over 15 2/3 innings. He went unsigned over the offseason after recording a 4.64 ERA over 32 starts for the Astros in 2016.
The Angels had an opening in their rotation after right-hander Matthew Shoemaker landed on the disabled list with a right forearm strain last week, but they decided to have rookie Parker Bridwell -- their No. 10 prospect, according to MLBPipeline.com -- make a spot start against the Yankees instead of Fister. With Skaggs on track to return from a right oblique injury before the All-Star break, the Halos felt Fister was not a good fit for the club over the long term.
"[General manager] Billy [Eppler] went through all the scenarios and felt like right now this is the way to go," manager Mike Scioscia said.
Eppler said the Angels had been interested in having Fister continue to pitch for the organization at Triple-A, but Fister ultimately decided to test the market.
"We had asked him if that was something that he would be able to do, but I think at this point he felt that he was ready to go, ready to contribute back at the Major League level," Eppler said. "Contractually, it was within his right, and he exercised his right."
Because Fister requested his release, the Angels will be responsible for only a pro-rated portion of his $100,000 Minor League salary. Fister would have earned $1.75 million had he been promoted to the Majors.

Worth noting
• Right-hander Huston Street joined the team in New York on Wednesday and said he hopes to be activated off the 60-day disabled list on Thursday. Street, who has not pitched for the Angels this season, suffered a lat injury during Spring Training and later saw his rehab delayed by a triceps issue. The 33-year-old veteran reliever pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in his sixth rehab appearance with Salt Lake on Monday.
"I feel really good," Street said.