Angels release starting pitcher Kazmir

ANAHEIM, Calif., June 15 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Angels said Wednesday they have released struggling left-handed starting pitcher Scott Kazmir.

Kazmir, whom the Angels obtained from Tampa Bay in an August 2009 trade, was cut loose after pitching poorly in a five-start minor league rehabilitation assignment, during which he posted a 17.02 ERA over 15 1/3 innings.

Kazmir went 9-15 with a 5.94 ERA in 28 starts last season for the Angels, when he earned $8 million, and made only one start this year before being put on the disabled list with lower back stiffness.

Los Angeles will have to absorb the remainder of Kazmir's $14.5 million contract this season.

The 27-year-old hurler has a 66-61 career record with a 4.17 ERA in 179 lifetime starts.