Blue Jays release Victor Zambrano

The Toronto Blue Jays released pitcher Victor Zambrano on Monday.

Toronto signed the 31-year-old Venezuelan right-hander, who was coming off right elbow surgery, in January.

He appeared in eight gamesthis season, making two starts.

Zambrano was rocked for eight runs in just over two innings in a May 8 start against the Boston Red Sox, and soon after went on the disabled list with a strained right forearm.

His spot in the rotation was taken by Shawn Marcum, who has impressed.

He registered a 3-2 record and 7.40 ERA on a rehab assignment with triple-A Syracuse.

Zambrano is 45-43 with a 4.55 ERA in his career, which began in 2001 with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.