Blue Jays release former All-Star pitcher Ricky Romero

The Toronto Blue Jays have released left-hander Ricky Romero.

It's been a frustrating journey for the once-promising pitcher, as Romero has toiled away in the minor leagues the past two seasons unable to make it back to the majors.

Romero compiled a 42-29 record and 3.60 ERA through his first three seasons, earning his first and only All-Star appearance in 2011. Disaster struck in 2012, however, as Romero went 9-14 with a 5.77 ERA and 1.67 WHIP. He's made just four appearances in the majors since. 

The Blue Jays signed Romero to a five-year, $30.1-million extension in August 2010, with the deal wrapping up at the conclusion of this season. 

General manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters Saturday that it didn't make sense to keep Romero in the organization because he was in the final year of his deal and nowhere near returning to the majors.

Romero, who's recovering from knee surgery, plans to try and catch on with another organization. The sixth-overall pick by the Jays in 2005 went 0-3 with a 5.50 ERA in nine starts last season before surgery.