The Angels cleared a spot on their 40-man roster by outrighting right-handed reliever Bobby Cassevah on Thursday. Cassevah has 72 hours to either accept his assignment to the minor-league side or become a free agent.

Cassevah appeared in one game this spring, allowing a single and walking two batters but escaping the jam Sunday against the Oakland A’s.

The assignment comes as Cassevah was hoping to move past a disappointing 2012 season. He hurt his shoulder in spring training and pitched in just four major-league games all year, walking six and surrendering four runs in five innings (7.20 ERA). At Triple-A Salt Lake, Cassevah went 4-1 with a 6.22 ERA in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, recording 10 saves in 12 opportunities.

The Angels could use Cassevah’s roster spot to acquire a player via trade or free agency, though it’s too soon to say if the Angels want to go that route. It’s also good news for 40-man roster pitchers Nick Maronde, Brandon Sisk, David Carpenter, Steven Geltz and Michael Kohn, whose chances of starting the season in the majors temporarily improve.