Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com reports that the Red Sox have released Marlon Byrd after designating the veteran outfielder for assignment last week.
Byrd made a nice first impression after the Red Sox got him from the Cubs in a mid-April trade, going 10-for-30 (.333) through eight games. However, he hit .243 with one homer and a .557 OPS in 26 games after May 1 and even with their outfield wrecked by injuries the Red Sox deemed him expendable.
Byrd is making $6.5 million in the final season of a three-year, $15 million contract signed with the Cubs in December of 2009, so it’s not surprising that every team passed on claiming him off waivers. Now he’s a free agent and available for a prorated share of the minimum salary, although he may have to settle for a minor-league deal at age 34.
