Former first-rounder Bell released by Angels

Former first-round pick Trevor Bell cleared waivers and was released by the Angels on Thursday after eight seasons with the organization.

Bell, who was selected 37th overall in the 2005 Draft, played three years with the big league club from 2009-11. He posted a 4-9 mark with a 5.21 ERA during that time.

Bell spent 2012 with Triple-A Salt Lake and struggled, going 1-6 with a 8.27 ERA, while dealing with elbow trouble that held him to just 10 appearances.

On Thursday afternoon, Bell took to Twitter to thank his former club, saying:

"I would like to express my gratitude to the @angels organization for taking a young boy and turning him into a man. Im gonna miss all the friendships I have made and the struggles the guys have helped me through. I respect everyone in that organization and always will."