Michael Roth waived by Angels, opts for free agency

Former South Carolina left-hander Michael Roth is no longer a member of the Los Angeles Angels organization after clearing waivers Tuesday and electing to become a free agent.

Roth, who also cleared waivers after being designated for assignment in late April, was allowed to choose free agency because it was his second time making it through the waiver process.

Roth, who's living in Hawaii this off-season, told The State that he's ready to move forward in his professional career with a different organization: "It's unfortunate that I was dropped off the roster a second time, but I'm excited about being a free agent. It's rare to enter free agency this early in a professional career, and I feel this will be a good opportunity. I had a great time with the Angels and appreciate the opportunity to play professional baseball. I think wherever I land will be a great chance to start anew and continue my career."

Roth, 24, posted a 2-1 record 7.79 ERA over 32 1/3 innings in 22 appearances for the Angels during several major-league call-ups the last two seasons. He had a solid season for Double-A Arkansas in 2014, going 11-7 with a 2.62 ERA in 140 2/3 innings.

After posting a 26-6 record and 1.91 ERA in four seasons for the Gamecocks while helping the program win a pair of national championships, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound pitcher was selected in the ninth round of the 2012 MLB draft by the Angels.

This story was originally published November 26, 2014 at 10:30 AM with the headline "Michael Roth waived by Angels, opts for free agency."