Adam Ottavino’s second stint with the Red Sox wound up being a short one.
The Red Sox announced Sunday that they’ve released Ottavino, a 39-year-old right-hander who was trying to make the team as a non-roster invitee. Ottavino was informed earlier this weekend that he wouldn’t be making the team, prompting the veteran to exercise an opt-out provision in his contract that would allow him to re-enter the open market and seek a big league opportunity elsewhere.
A key member of the 2021 Red Sox bullpen, Ottavino has spent the last three years pitching for the New York Mets. The former Northeastern University standout posted a 4.34 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 56 innings last season, but didn’t stand out amid a crowded bullpen battle this spring. Ottavino allowed six earned runs in five innings of Grapefruit League action, though all of those runs came in one bad outing, with the other four appearances all scoreless.
In addition to Ottavino, veteran left-hander Matt Moore was also reportedly informed he won’t be on the Opening Day roster. According to WEEI’s Rob Bradford and others, Moore has decided not to exercise his opt-out and will start the season at Triple-A Worcester.
