Angels decline options on Nolasco, Street
ANAHEIM -- The Angels announced Thursday that they have declined 2018 club options on right-handers Ricky Nolasco and Huston Street, making the two veteran pitchers free agents along with nine other players whose contracts have officially expired.
Right-hander Deolis Guerra has also been outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake, clearing a spot on the club's 40-man roster.
Nolasco, 34, could have guaranteed himself a $13 million salary for next year if he had accumulated 400 innings between 2016 and '17, but he fell short of that threshold and will instead receive a $1 million buyout.
Nolasco, who was acquired from the Twins along with Alex Meyer in the Hector Santiago trade last summer, recorded a 4.92 ERA and allowed a career-high 35 home runs in 2017, but he also proved to be the most durable member of the Angels' injury-ravaged rotation and led the club with 181 innings pitched this season.
Street, 34, appeared in only four games for the Angels after battling several injuries this season. He opened the season on the disabled list after sustaining a strained right lat during his first Spring Training outing and did not return to the Majors until June. Less than two weeks later, Street's comeback was derailed again by a right groin strain, as well as a mild rotator cuff strain.
The Angels held a $10 million club option on Street, but they opted to pay him a $1 million buyout instead.
Nolasco and Street join right-handers Andrew Bailey, Jesse Chavez, Bud Norris, Yusmeiro Petit, Noel Salas, third baseman Yunel Escobar, second baseman Brandon Phillips, infielder Cliff Pennington and outfielder Ben Revere as free agents.
The Angels will have until Monday at 2 p.m. PT to negotiate with the free agents on their roster before those players are allowed to sign with any team. General manager Billy Eppler said Thursday that the Angels have not engaged in any substantial talks with their crop of free agents.