A piece of the Phillies trade involving Cole Hamels is officially out the door. Veteran starting pitcher Matt Harrison was released from the 40-man roster after spending all of last season on the disabled list with a back injury and hyperthyroidism.
The release of Harrison opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for the Phillies to protect another coveted prospect from the Rule 5 Draft.
Harrison was primarily included in the Hamels trade to relieve some of the cap hit Texas would be taking on with Hamels large contract. The 31-year-old remained on the 60-day disabled list from July of 2015 through the end of the 2016 season with the injuries.