The Kansas City Royals have released right-hander Clay Buchholz from his minor-league deal, the club announced.
Buchholz, 33, had signed a minor-league contract with the Royals in March and had the right to opt out of the deal if he hadn't been called up to the majors by May 1.
The righthander was 1-0 with a 1.12 ERA in three starts in the minors this season. In 16 innings he allowed 10 hits, including two home runs, struck out nine and walked seven.
He hasn't pitched in the majors in more than a year.
Before the 2017 season, he was traded by the Red Sox to Philadelphia but made only two starts before having surgery in April to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right arm.
Buchholz played 10 seasons for Boston, compiling a career ERA of 3.96 in 188 starts. He threw a no-hitter in his second start for the Red Sox, in September of 2007.