The Boston Red Sox have designated right handed pitcher John Smoltz for assignment. Boston’s GM Theo Epstein personally traveled to New York today to give Smoltz the news. The move gives the Sox 10 days to trade or release him.
Epstein “told him to go home and take a deep breath, think about how you want to move forward” manager Terry Francona said before their game against the Yankees today.
In January, the 42-year old starter signed with Boston following his 20-year tenure with the Atlanta Braves. He was hoping to recover from the surgery that he had on his right shoulder late last season.
After eight starts with the Sox, Smoltz’s numbers are not great; he has started 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA.
“Pretty humbled right now, the way things have gone. Time may not be on my side if this continues,” Smoltz said yesterday after being pulled in the fourth inning of a 13-6 loss to the Yankees.
As a Brave, Smoltz has compiled a 212-152 record with 52 saves and a 3.32 ERA. He won a Cy Young Award in 1996, and is an eight-time All-Star. Smoltz is the only pitcher with more than 200 wins and 150 career saves.
“I’m not doing it right now. I’m a big enough man to stand up here and say I’m not doing it,” Smoltz said after last night’s loss.
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THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!