It’s probably a move that nobody in Anaheim wanted to make, but it was a necessitated transaction.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim released comeback-hopeful Mark Mulder on Tuesday. Mulder was attempting to make a return to the majors after a five year absence. He had signed a contract with a strong chance that he would crack the Angels’ starting rotation, featuring a different delivery that would negate the problems that forced his retirement.

One day after reporting to Spring Training, the pitching staff was doing some simple agility drills and Mulder went down with an Achilles injury. The issue resulted in surgery, which put an end to any hope that Mulder could come back this season.

Mulder hasn’t completely ruled out a return to pitching in the future, but has acknowledged that it seems highly unlikely.