Source: Red Sox to designate Lugo; release likely
Julio Lugo's tenure in Boston is over..
The Red Sox will designate the shortstop for assignment on Friday, a move that will likely lead to his release, according to a major-league source.
The Red Sox will have 10 days to trade Lugo once the roster move is official. If they are unable to deal him, Lugo will be released. The move comes a day after one source told FOXSports.com that the Red Sox were "desperately" trying to trade Lugo. Another source said the team recognized Lugo as a "sunk cost" and was not expecting much in return for him.
Lugo, 33, is owed the remainder of his $9 million salary this season, plus $9 million next season. He will be available to any team for minimum salary if released, and the Red Sox would be on the hook for rest that is owed to him, which comes to approximately $13 million. Boston is also offering to do that in a trade.
Manager Terry Francona told WEEI Radio in Boston that third baseman Mike Lowell is expected back from his hip strain on Friday or Saturday, while shortstop Jed Lowrie is set to return from wrist surgery on Saturday. The Red Sox also need to clear a roster spot for right-hander Clay Buchholz, who is scheduled to make his first start of 2009 on Friday night.
The Sox can demote first baseman Aaron Bates to clear a spot for Buchholz, then demote Buchholz to clear a spot for Lowell or Lowrie. But under virtually every scenario, Lugo had to go.
Lugo, who won a World Series with Boston as a starter in 2007, is batting .284 with a .352 on-base percentage in 123 plate appearances, but the Sox are 11-16 when he starts at shortstop, compared to 42-15 with Nick Green. A number of clubs want to acquire a young shortstop. But few teams, if any, are looking for an expensive veteran.
Julio Lugo's tenure in Boston is over..
The Red Sox will designate the shortstop for assignment on Friday, a move that will likely lead to his release, according to a major-league source.
The Red Sox will have 10 days to trade Lugo once the roster move is official. If they are unable to deal him, Lugo will be released. The move comes a day after one source told FOXSports.com that the Red Sox were "desperately" trying to trade Lugo. Another source said the team recognized Lugo as a "sunk cost" and was not expecting much in return for him.
Lugo, 33, is owed the remainder of his $9 million salary this season, plus $9 million next season. He will be available to any team for minimum salary if released, and the Red Sox would be on the hook for rest that is owed to him, which comes to approximately $13 million. Boston is also offering to do that in a trade.
Manager Terry Francona told WEEI Radio in Boston that third baseman Mike Lowell is expected back from his hip strain on Friday or Saturday, while shortstop Jed Lowrie is set to return from wrist surgery on Saturday. The Red Sox also need to clear a roster spot for right-hander Clay Buchholz, who is scheduled to make his first start of 2009 on Friday night.
The Sox can demote first baseman Aaron Bates to clear a spot for Buchholz, then demote Buchholz to clear a spot for Lowell or Lowrie. But under virtually every scenario, Lugo had to go.
Lugo, who won a World Series with Boston as a starter in 2007, is batting .284 with a .352 on-base percentage in 123 plate appearances, but the Sox are 11-16 when he starts at shortstop, compared to 42-15 with Nick Green. A number of clubs want to acquire a young shortstop. But few teams, if any, are looking for an expensive veteran.
