Grady Sizemore given outright release

Jun 12, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Grady Sizemore (38) catches the ball hit by Cleveland Indians third baseman Mike Aviles (not pictured) in foul territory as he falls into the stands during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Grady Sizemore (38) catches the ball hit by Cleveland Indians third baseman Mike Aviles (not pictured) in foul territory as he falls into the stands during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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It was reported yesterday that the Boston Red Sox had designated outfielder Grady Sizemore to a minor league assignment.  Now it’s being reported via ESPN Boston’s Gordon Edes that the Red Sox have outright released him.  The Red Sox are confirming that news as well.

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Sizemore looked to be heading in the right direction to resurrect his career just this past spring training.  Sizemore looked solid and hit well but once the regular season started his struggle began.  In 52 games for the Red Sox, Sizemore was batting .216 with two home runs and 15 RBIs in 205 plate appearances. He slumped further in June hitting .133 with only one RBI. in 30 at bats.

Skipper John Farrell announced that “Out of respect to Grady, we wanted to make the decision sooner rather than later if there are other opportunities for him.

"“Grady Sizemore is about all the good things in this game,” Farrell said. “From his performance, to the person he is, to his work ethic, the way he plays the game — he’s an exceptional person. This is a tough decision to part ways with a guy of his caliber. He’s trying to do something that I don’t know has been done in the game before. We commended him on his work ethic trying to get back to the level previous.” Through ESPN."

Sizemore was a three time All-Star for the Cleveland Indians for eight seasons.  He was out of baseball for most of the last two seasons as he recovered from several surgeries before signing a deal with the Red Sox this past January.