Marlins Release David Aardsma

2:39pm: Ken Rosenthal reports that Aardsma's contract contained a May 15 opt-out clause that allowed him to request his release if he wasn't with the Major Leagues by this date. He exercised that clause and will seek a Major League deal with a new team (Twitter links).

2:06pm: The Marlins have released right-hander David Aardsma, tweets ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. The former Mariners closer had signed with the Fish on a minor league pact on April 13 and sounded excited when discussing the opportunity a few days later.

The 31-year-old pitched well in 14 innings for Triple-A New Orleans, posting a 2.57 ERA and 12 strikeouts, although he did have eight walks in that time as well.

Aardsma pitched in one inning for the Yankees last season — his long Major League appearance since 2010. Injuries have derailed the flamethrower's career, but he was a solid ninth inning option for Seattle from 2009-10. Aardsma picked up 69 saves in that time, posting a 2.90 ERA, 9.6 K/9 and 4.4 BB/9 in 121 innings in that role. Crasnick adds that he isn't sure whether the release was the Marlins' decision or if Aardsma requested the move.