According to FoxSports, the future Hall of Famer has refused an option to the minors, so he won't be making a trip down to Pawtucket in the hopes of returning to the majors to restore the Red Sox bullpen any time soon. Boston had reportedly contemplated using him as a reliever in September, but the move would require a stint in the minors.
ESPN's Buster Olney has reported that there are multiple National League teams interested in acquring the veteran — but it seems that whoever picks him up will also expect the Red Sox to assume part, if not all, of his salary.
If the Red Sox release Smoltz and another team picks him up, that team must pay him the pro-rated amount of of the major league minimum. In addition, Smoltz would receive the remainder of the $5.5 million owed to him by the Red Sox.
In eight starts with Boston in 2009, Smoltz went 2-5 with a 8.32 ERA. His final start in Boston was particularly abysmal, as he allowed nine runs in 3 1/3 innings against the Yankees.
The Red Sox designated him for assignment on Friday.
