Red Sox decline Breslow’s option
The Boston Red Sox refused Friday to exercise a $4 million option on left-handed reliever Craig Breslow.
The 34-year-old Breslow will receive a $100,000 buyout and become eligible for free agency. The Red Sox indicated that they might be interested in bringing him back next year.
Breslow posted a 2-4 record with a 5.96 ERA in 60 relief appearances in 2014.
Until this past season, Breslow had been a consistent performer for the Red Sox. In 2013, he posted a 1.81 ERA and worked seven scoreless innings in the playoffs before struggling in the World Series, getting an out on only one of the seven batters he faced in three games.
In another roster move Friday , the Red Sox reinstated outfielder Shane Victorino from the 60-day disabled list. Victorino underwent back surgery on Aug. 5.
Spurs, Leonard unlikely to complete deal
Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs are unlikely to reach a contract extension by Friday’s midnight deadline to sign 2011 first-round picks to long-term deals. Without a new contract, Leonard will be a restricted free agent in July.
The Spurs expect Leonard to entertain maximum contract offers from other teams, but the franchise values financial flexibility and could subtract the contracts of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili from the books. Neither player is signed beyond 2014-15.
Leonard, 23, had a breakout season in 2013-14 and stood out in the 2014 NBA Finals against LeBron James and the Miami Heat.
According to a report, guard Klay Thompson agreed to a four-year, $70 million extension with the Golden State Warriors and Alec Burks reached agreement on a four-year, $42 million extension with the Utah Jazz on Friday.
Raiders’ Ross fined for hit
Oakland Raiders safety Brandian Ross was fined $22,050 by the NFL on Friday for a hit on Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Cameron last Sunday that left Cameron with his third concussion in three seasons.
Ross hit Cameron in the back of the head during the second quarter on a diving 21-yard catch. Cameron walked to the locker room after the play but did not return to the game.
Ross led with his helmet and drew a penalty for hitting Cameron while he was defenseless. Last season, Ross was fined $7,875 for a late hit.
Michigan AD Brandon resigns
EditorsNote: Update 2: with more details, quotes Michigan AD Brandon resigns
Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon resigned Friday after being at the center of controversy all season, including the football team’s mishandling of quarterback Shane Morris’ head injury and issues with students’ ticket prices.
University president Mark Schlissel, who took office in July, made the announcement at a Friday afternoon news conference.
“Dave feels that it would be in the best interest of our student-athletes, the athletic department and the university community if he moved on to other challenges and allowed the important work of the department and the university to continue without daily distractions,” Schlissel said.
Schlissel said he would begin searching for Brandon’s replacement immediately. The president said previous ties to the school or its sports teams are not a prerequisite for the job.