Roy Oswalt is changing his stance on free agency.
After seeking a multiyear deal earlier in the offseason, the 34-year-old pitcher is now willing to accept a one-year contract, according to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick.
The drop was made to erase concerns surrounding his problematic back injury. If he rebounds during the 2012 season, the hurler will return to the open market in search of a multiyear deal.
The degenerative disk in his lower back first cropped up about three seasons ago when he was with the Astros. To offset the pain, Oswalt resorted to taking cortisone shots, but it eventually returned during the 2011 season.
As a starter for the Phillies in 2011, Oswalt went 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA. He was limited to just 23 starts and spent a stint in the summer on the disabled list with the back injury.
Oswalt’s new stipulations could increase the Red Sox’ interest in the veteran pitcher. With Daisuke Matsuzaka and John Lackey out for considerable time after Tommy John surgery rehab, the Red Sox are looking for a viable candidate to fill the openings in the back end of the rotation.
