Rockies release Jhoulys Chacin

Some shocking news out of Colorado Rockies camp Sunday.

The team has granted right-hander Jhoulys Chacin his unconditional release.

The Rockies avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $5.5-million deal with Chacin in January, and are still on the hook for a portion of his salary.

The 27-year-old battled rotator cuff problems that limited him to only 11 starts last season. He went 1-7 with a 5.40 ERA over those outings and was trying to work his way back into the rotation this spring, but a dip in his velocity contributed to poor numbers.

The timing of the release is shocking as Chacin could have filled in for Jorge De La Rosa, who is battling a groin injury and questionable to start the team's home opener on April 10.

This could, however, boost top pitching prospect Jon Gray's chances of cracking the big league roster out of camp.

Chacin pitched six seasons in Colorado, posting a 38-48 record with a 3.78 ERA and 1.34 WHIP.