DENVER -- The Rockies signed free-agent right-hander José Mujica, a onetime Rays prospect whose career was interrupted by Tommy John right elbow surgery in 2018, on Wednesday.

To clear a 40-man roster spot, the Rockies designated righty reliever Wes Parsons (6.98 ERA in 15 games with the Rockies after being claimed from the Braves) for assignment.

Mujica, 23, started 2018 with a 5-1 record and 2.70 ERA with 34 strikeouts to 10 walks in 36 2/3 innings over seven starts before elbow problems eventually led to September surgery. Mujica missed all of the '19 season.

Mujica is from the same home town -- Valencia, Venezuela -- as current Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela. And front-of-the-rotation righty German Marquez, who also began his career in the Rays organization, is from not far away in San Felix, Venezuela.

After struggling with foot injuries early in his career, Mujica caught traction in 2016 (8-4, 3.46 ERA in 24 starts at Class A Bowling Green) and '17 (combined 14-8, 3.04 at Class A Advanced Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery).