Richard was released by the Blue Jays on Thursday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.
Richard, who has been sidelined since mid-July with a lat injury, hasn't appeared in a game since returning from the injured list at the beginning of September. According to Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 The Fan, the veteran southpaw threw a simulated game at the team's spring training facilities Thursday before the Blue Jays decided to part ways with him to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for Elvis Luciano (elbow).