Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz rejected a minor league assignment and a move to the bullpen after going 2-5 with a 8.33 ERA in 8 games this season. The Red Sox will likely shop him around, but with no room in the Red Sox rotation, teams will likely wait for him to be released.
The Boston Globe writes that the Marlins, Cardinals, and Dodgers will be interested, but the Marlins seem the most aggressive at this point.
Count the Marlins among the teams that will inquire about Smoltz if the Red Sox cut him loose. The Red Sox, who designated Smoltz for assignment, have until Sunday to trade or release him.
Adding Smoltz would have a positive impact on the Marlins rotation. They currently have just one pitcher over the .500 mark, while the others are still finding their stride down the stretch. Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez worked closely with Smoltz when in Atlanta, making the Marlins a very real possibility for Smoltz.
"He still has something left in the tank," said Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, a member of the Braves coaching staff while Smoltz was there. "Right now he’s the property of the Boston Red Sox. We can’t say much about him. He’s a tremendous competitor."
A move back to the National League into a division he is familiar with could turn out to help both Smoltz and the Marlins, if he chooses to sign with them. He certainly is not ready to retire, so we can expect Smoltz to suit up again this season.