Russ Ortiz Opts Out, Becomes a Free Agent

Acccotding to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, Yankees right-hander Russ Ortiz has opted out of his minor league deal with the Yankees. Ortiz had the right to opt out if the club didn't cal him up to the major leagues after three minor league starts. Ortiz was 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA in AAA after going 3-6 with a 5.57 ERA for the Astros, who released him on July 30.

The Yankees couldn't make room for him on their roster so they asked him to wait in the minor leagues but Ortiz was unwilling to do so. According to his agent John Boggs Ortiz wants to help a contender and pitch in the postseason.

Rosenthal mentions the Dodgers as a possible candidate to sign Ortiz.