According to Denver Post beat writer Troy Renck, the Colorado Rockies have released relief pitcher Manuel Corpas.
Corpas, who pitched 62 innings in 2010, including a stint as the closer while awaiting Huston Street's return from injury, underwent Tommy John surgery in September which effectively would make him unavailable for the 2011 season.
After a promising 2006 and then an absolutely stellar 2007 where Corpas closed for Colorado en route to the World Series while posting a 2.08 ERA (3.60/3.70 FIP/xFIP), a 2.90 K/BB, and amassed 19 saves.
After the 2007 season, the Rockies awarded Corpas with a 4-year, $8M contract with 2 option years that would bring the total value of the contract $22M. However, Corpas arrived to camp reportedly out of shape and out of practice, having lost movement on his sinker and had become incredibly hittable. Despite efforts to rectify this, Corpas could not stay healthy.
With this release, the Rockies are on the hook for his guaranteed $3.5M in 2011, as well as an additional $250k for his 2012 buyout.