Red Sox Release Tyler Thornburg

Tyler Thornburg is no longer part of the Boston Red Sox going forward.

The team announced today that they have released the right-hander. It was not a surprise, considering that he declined an optional assignment. He will now hit the open market and hopes to have a few suitors who could look for some relief help.

Thornburg is guaranteed a $1.75 million salary from the Red Sox, regardless of where he ends up. Although his production numbers at the big league level are not impressive, he could still end up on a rivals team, most likely on a minors contract with a chance to prove himself and get back to the majors.

Thornburg was part of the trade that sent Travis Shaw to the Milwaukee Brewers. So far, the trade doesn't seem to be faring all that well for either side. While Shaw has had two quality seasons, he hasn't had quite the numbers the Brew Crew would've expected and they just called up another piece in that swap in infielder Mauricio Dubon. Dubon has handled it well at Triple-A and is viewed as a valuable prospect in the Brewers organization.

As for Thornburg, as I said before, he didn't look to be in the future of the Red Sox organization. Now, he'll have to get a chance to prove himself, most likely at the minor league level, if he ever wants to get back to the majors again. It has been a tough season for him and I feel bad that his time with Boston didn't fare the way he wanted it too. We'll see if he can catch fire elsewhere.