FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Minnesota Twins have granted relief pitcher Matt Guerrier his unconditional release, making the 35-year-old right-hander a free agent.

The Twins announced the move Monday. Guerrier was trying to make a comeback from surgery on his right elbow.

He gave up three runs and five hits in four innings during spring training.

Guerrier spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Twins, starting in 2004, and was at camp with a minor league contract.

With Jared Burton, Casey Fien and Anthony Swarzak already established as reliable right-handers in the Twins bullpen, and the possibility of starter Samuel Deduno joining them, there was no room for Guerrier.

The Twins also optioned right-handers Michael Tonkin and Ryan Pressly and catcher Chris Herrmann to Triple-A Rochester.