Blue Jays release oft-injured pitcher Clayton Richard, Luciano activated

Blue Jays starting pitcher Clayton Richard delivers during the fifth inning against the Astros. (Eric Christian Smith/AP)

Left-handed pitcher Clayton Richard has been released by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Richard struggled with injuries for most of the season after being acquired in a trade last December with the San Diego Padres.

The 36-year-old veteran landed on the injured list twice this year for issues with his right knee and left lat.

He posted a 1-5 record and 5.96 earned-run average over 10 starts and 45.1 innings this season for Toronto.

The Blue Jays announced the move on Richard’s birthday.

Rule 5 pick Elvis Luciano was reinstated from the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move and will be active for Thursday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.

The 19-year-old reliever needed to be activated for the final 19 games of the season for the Blue Jays to retain his rights.

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