Velverde has opted out of his minor league contract and was granted his release by the Padres on Thursday, MLB.com's Corey Brock reports. Valverde limited opponents to a .222 batting average this spring, but it wasn't quite enough to earn a roster spot after entering camp as a non-roster invite. The 37-year-old reliever may have another season or two of ball left in him, but he'll likely have to accept a team-friendly deal to keep his career afloat.