The Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox have announced that Jose Contreras has been granted his release, according to WEEI.com's Alex Speier (Twitter link). Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reported over the weekend (Twitter link) that Contreras had opted out of his minor league deal with the Red Sox, and with Boston calling up Brayan Villarreal earlier today, it appears as though the Sox opted for the younger option to help their bullpen.
Contreras signed his minor league deal with Boston exactly a month ago and posted a 6.52 ERA, 15 strikeouts and six walks over 9 2/3 relief innings for Pawtucket. The 41-year-old signed a minor league deal with the Pirates over the winter and was released last month after pitching five innings over seven games for the Bucs, posting a 9.00 ERA.
