Major League Baseball

Padres' Richard chooses free agency

Published Oct. 28, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Padres left-hander Clayton Richard has decided to become a free agent after clearing outright waivers.

San Diego general manager Josh Byrnes made the announcement Monday regarding Richard, who spent two stints on the disabled list during a disappointing 2013 season - first in May with an intestinal virus, then again in June because of a shoulder strain. The 30-year-old Richard went 2-5 with a 7.01 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 12 outings with 11 starts.

Richard, who had been a staple in the rotation, received an injection in his shoulder but still wound up on the 60-day DL on July 12 after he needed season-ending surgery to repair the AC joint.

San Diego's 40-man roster is at the limit.