David Aardsma Elects Free Agency

David Aardsma has coped with injuries for much of the past two-plus seasons. He’s now a free agent after opting out of his minor league deal with the Marlins. (Image Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Veteran right-hander David Aardsma and the Miami Marlins have parted ways, with the 31 year old receiving his release Wednesday afternoon. Aardsma’s minor league deal with the club contained a May 15th opt-out date and he requested the release in order to seek a Major League opportunity elsewhere, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Aardsma had originally signed his deal with the Marlins on April 13th and made 10 appearances (14.0 IP) with the team’s Triple-A affiliate. He’s thrown well over the past month, posting a 2.57 ERA and 1.214 WHIP. Coping with injuries since the end of the 2010 season, Aardsma has seen limited time on the mound and may still need to prove himself with another organization before he sees another opportunity in the Major Leagues. He was, however, once a promising late-game option with a demonstrated ability to close out games.

Numerous teams across baseball could potentially look to Aardsma as an option for some bullpen depth, depending on how quickly he’s looking to join an MLB roster and the openings currently available in bullpens across the game. The New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Toronto Blue Jays are just a few potential options that may have some interest.