DENVER -- The Rockies cleared a spot on their 40-man Major League roster by outrighting right-handed relief pitcher Joe Harvey, whose 2020 season ended with a right forearm strain sustained during an Aug. 20 game, to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Harvey, 28, who logged four scoreless outings covering 3 1/3 innings, has the right to opt for free agency.

• What to know: Rockies 2020 offseason FAQ

The Rockies received Harvey in a 2019 Trade Deadline deal with the Yankees. He posted a 5.63 ERA (five earned runs in eight innings) over nine appearances for Colorado in ’19, and began ’20 at the alternate training site. Harvey’s early outings provided hope for a struggling bullpen before the injury occurred. He did not undergo surgery.

The move leaves the Rockies’ current roster at 34. Sunday is the deadline for the expected reinstatement of four players. There's outfielder Ian Desmond, who chose not to play the ’20 season. There were also three players on the injured list: right-handed starter Peter Lambert (Tommy John right elbow surgery), righty reliever Scott Oberg (thoracic outlet surgery), and outfielder David Dahl (right shoulder surgery). The roster limit is 40.