Veteran Farnsworth released by Rays

LOS ANGELES -- Tampa Bay released veteran reliever Kyle Farnsworth on Sunday.

On Friday the Rays announced that Farnsworth had been designated for assignment, which meant they had 10 days to trade or release him. He is now free to sign with any interested team.

Farnsworth had 25 saves and a 2.18 ERA for the Rays in 2011, both career bests, but has mostly struggled since. He began last season on the disabled list with a strained right elbow and was relegated to middle relief when he returned, going 1-6 with a 4.00 ERA in 27 innings.

The Rays had trouble finding work for Farnsworth this season, and the 37-year-old right-hander was not very effective when called upon. In 29 2/3 innings over 39 appearances, he put together a 5.76 ERA and 1.48 WHIP, with only 19 strikeouts.

Farnsworth, who was signed for $1.25 million for 2013, would have been a free agent following the season.