The first casualty of the Cole Hamels trade is Matt Harrison, who the Phillies released Tuesday, per Jim Salisbury.
Harrison, who has suffered severe back injuries over his career and never pitched an inning for the Phillies, is owed $13 million in 2017 and, at least, a $2 million buyout for 2018. By releasing him, the Phillies will still have to pay Harrison but won’t get back insurance that would’ve offset the money owed on his contract.
In essence, the Phils released Harrison to free up a 40-man roster spot. They need them to save prospects from being selected in the Rule 5 Draft.