SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - In a surprise move, Colorado released right-hander Jhoulys Chacin after the former Rockies' ace struggled this spring.

After going 1-7 with a 5.40 ERA last year, Chacin had a 6.52 ERA in four appearances in Cactus League games, two starts. He walked four and struck out five in 9 2-3 innings.

"It's a tough day," manager Walt Weiss said. "A tough day for us, for me having to have that conversation with Jhoulys, who has been a warrior for us."

The reason for the move, Weiss said, was that the club had brought in a number of starting candidates and, "We just felt like Jhoulys was behind a few of the other guys."

Chacin was 38-48 in six seasons with Colorado with a 3.78 ERA, including 14-10 with a 3.47 ERA in 2013.

He had a $5.5 million salary this year that was not guaranteed and will receive 45 days' termination pay: $1,352,459.