Morales was released by the Blue Jays on Tuesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty played a significant role in the Royals' bullpen last year, making 67 appearances for the eventual World Series champions, but he hurt his shoulder early on this season and was not particularly sharp after his return late last month. Toronto designated Morales for assignment and will allow the 30-year-old to explore his opportunities elsewhere. Morales figures to have several options on the open market.

Morales was designated for assignment Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Morales earned a promotion to the big leagues after owning a 2.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP through nine innings of relief at Triple-A Buffalo this season. However, he was knocked around in his short stint with the Blue Jays, giving up four earned runs in four innings pitched and will now be designated for assignment.

Morales will not be traveling with the Blue Jays for the upcoming series against Houston, Barry Davis of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

The early rumors are that Morales has been designated for assignment, or even possibly released. Either way, his departure leaves the Jays bullpen with just six arms, so the team may have something in the works to bring another pitcher along. Unfortunately for Morales, he's the one that got the short end of the stick nearing the trade deadline.

Morales (shoulder) was activated from the DL on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Morales' 30-day window to rehab in the minors closed and the Blue Jays were thus forced to reinstate him, but the 30-year-old pitched well enough during his time with Durham to warrant a return to the big league roster (1.64 ERA, 1.18 WHIP). Morales, who hit the DL during the first week of the season, will likely serve in the middle innings for the time being, seeing only occasional chances at holds.

Getting recalled once completing his rehab assignment at Triple-A Buffalo is "not imminent" for Morales (shoulder), Blue Jays Nation reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran reliever has a history of success against left-handers, and for the most part, Morales has been expected to rejoin the Jays once healthy. When asked about Morales' return, manager John Gibbons said a recall is "not imminent." General manager Ross Atkins says Morales is "making progress" in his rehab but at least three other left-handers at Buffalo -- Aaron Loup, Chad Girodo and Pat Venditte -- are better options at the moment.

Morales (shoulder) pitched one inning and recorded one strikeout and a walk Tuesday in his first rehab outing in Single-A Dunedin.

EDGE Analysis

Shoulder fatigue is never a good thing, and gauging the recovery is not easy. Owners who have an interest in Morales should carefully monitor each outing during his rehab process.

Morales will begin a rehab assignment for Advanced-A Dunedin on Tuesday, Barry Davis of Sportsnet Bluejays reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morales was recently placed on the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster. The southpaw reliever has been out since mid-April due to shoulder fatigue. If this assignment goes well, he could progress to more difficult rehab assignments soon.

Morales (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day disabled list on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Morales' timetable for return has not yet been outlined, but he's been out ever since mid-April due to shoulder fatigue. The Blue Jays moved him to the 60-day disabled list in order to create room on the 40-man roster for left-handed starter Scott Diamond.

Morales (shoulder) has begun throwing light bullpen sessions, MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Blue Jays haven't outlined a timetable for Morales' return, but his progression to bullpen sessions at least offers encouragement on some level. Since Morales has been out since early April, he'll likely require at least a week-long rehab assignment before the Jays feel comfortable activating him from the DL.

Morales (shoulder) has progressed to the point of playing catch, but he has not thrown a bullpen yet, Barry Davis of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was previously believed that Morales might be ready to return in May, but his slow progress to this point suggests that he's still at least a few weeks away from being capable of helping the Jays.