Rockies officially release LHP Christian Friedrich after Angels reverse waiver claim

The Los Angeles Angels have reversed the waiver claim they put in to acquire left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich from the Colorado Rockies earlier this month. Friedrich was returned to the Rockies on Friday afternoon, and the club then outright released the reliever, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The Los Angeles Angels' waiver claim on LHP Christian Friedrich has been reversed. He has been returned to the #Rockies and released.

— Rockies PR (@RockiesPR) February 20, 2016

According to the Angels' official Twitter account, the reversal came about due to concerns over Friedrich's health heading into spring training:

RHP Christian Friedrich has been returned the Colorado Rockies. #Angels roster at 39. pic.twitter.com/zMfCtlvlep

— Angels (@Angels) February 20, 2016

And the Denver Post's Nick Groke shed more light on the timing and order of the moves this afternoon:

The Angels' waiver claim on LHP Christian Friedrich was revoked for med reasons. So he was returned to the Rockies, who then released him.

— Nick Groke (@nickgroke) February 20, 2016

Friedrich, 28, appeared in 68 games with the Rockies in 2015, all in relief, logging a 5.25 ERA (4.04 FIP), 11.6 H/9, 3.9 BB/9, and 6.9 K/9. He was the only member of the Rockies' bullpen to spend the entire year on the team's active roster.

Colorado initially designated him for assignment as a result of the Corey Dickerson trade that brought back Jake McGee and German Marquez from the Tampa Bay Rays, as the Rockies needed open 40-man roster spots to hold both newcomers.

Now, Friedrich is free to sign with any team. The Rockies' 40-man roster stays intact and full, while the Angels' roster now stands at 39 players. We'll update this post with more information if and when it becomes available.