Mets won't exercise option on reliever Putz
In an expected move, the Mets have decided not to exercise their $9.1-million option on J.J. Putz, a person familiar with the situation confirmed Thursday, and will pay him a $1-million buyout instead.
The Mets acquired Putz, reliever Sean Green and outfielder Jeremy Reed from the Mariners last December in a 12-player trade that also involved the Indians. Putz was supposed to be the centerpiece of the deal, an All-Star closer turned setup man for Francisco Rodriguez.
But those plans crumbled only two months into the season when Putz, 32, required surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. He later revealed that it was a pre-existing condition but that Seattle's medical staff told him there was no need for surgery.
Putz was 1-4 with a 5.22 ERA in 29 games for the Mets.
Lincecum facing charges
Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum is facing misdemeanor marijuana charges after a traffic stop in Washington state. Lincecum was fined a total of $622 for speeding and possession . . . Bobby Abreu agreed to a two-year, $19-million contract with an option to stay with the Angels . . . The Red Sox acquired outfielder Jeremy Hermida from Florida for lefthanders Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones . . . The Dodgers declined a $10-million mutual option on pitcher Jon Garland for next season, making him eligible for free agency . . . Former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle is the new hitting coach for the Rangers. - AP
