The Rangers have released veteran starter Jeremy Guthrie, as per Rangers executive VP of communications John Blake (on Twitter). Guthrie was let go by the club after he exercised the opt-out clause in his minor league contract, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Guthrie, who turns 37 in April, earned a World Series ring with the Royals last season though he didn’t make the club’s postseason roster. The right-hander suffered through the worst season of his 12-year career, posting a 5.95 ERA, 5.1 K/9, a career-worst 14.1% home run rate and a league-leading 29 homers allowed over 148 1/3 innings. Kansas City declined its end of Guthrie’s $10MM mutual option for 2016, giving him a $3.2MM buyout instead.

Guthrie has been a reliable innings-eater over the years, and despite his struggles, he could get another look from teams. The righty told reporters (including Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram) that he is receiving consideration from two clubs about a new contract.

With Guthrie out of the mix, A.J. Griffin and Nick Martinez are the remaining contenders for the fifth spot in the Texas rotation. One of those two will hold down the fort until Yu Darvish makes his expected return from Tommy John rehab in late May or early June.