The Toronto Blue Jays have released left-handed starter Clayton Richard and activated reliever Elvis Luciano from the 60-day injured list, the team announced. 

Richard ends his short tenure with the Blue Jays with an ERA of 5.96 in 10 starts. He has not appeared in a game since July 13 because of a left lat strain. He missed the first eight weeks of the season because of a stress reaction in his right knee.  

In addition to becoming a free agent, the southpaw also celebrated his birthday on Thursday.

Richard has spent eight of his 11 seasons with the San Diego Padres.

Meanwhile, Luciano has a 6.51 ERA in 20 games this season for the Blue Jays. He was a Rule-5 pick from the Kansas City Royals in last year. He has not pitched since June 12. 

The 19-year-old returns just in time to complete the 90 days that he must spend on the Jays active roster to have his Rule-5 restrictions removed heading into the 2020 season.

Toronto hosts the Red Sox in the series finale Thursday night before welcoming the New York Yankees to town Friday night.