Red Sox released OF Ryan Sweeney.

Sweeney could not crack the Opening Day roster and did not want to accept a spot at Triple-A Pawtucket. He batted .217/.308/.239 in 52 plate appearances this spring.

Ryan Sweeney indicated Wednesday that he wouldn't accept a minor league assignment if he's not added to the Opening Day roster.

Sweeney appears to be on the outside looking in for a roster spot, so figures to use his opt-out clause on Thursday. The 28-year-old outfielder is batting .222 (10-for-45) with a double and two RBI in 19 games this spring.

Ryan Sweeney's minor league deal with the Red Sox has a March 28 opt-out clause.

In other words, Sweeney can become a free agent if he's not on the Opening Day roster. According to MLB.com's Evan Drellich, Lyle Overbay also has an opt-out date of March 26.

Red Sox signed Ryan Sweeney to a minor league contract.

The 28-year-old outfielder hit .260/.303/.373 in 63 games with the Red Sox in 2012 before undergoing surgery to a broken finger. The deal contains an opt-out clause if Sweeney is not on the big league roster at the end of spring training. He should provide valuable depth as a reserve outfielder, especially in the wake of the news that Ryan Kalish will need surgery and miss the beginning of the season.

The Twins have reached out to free agent outfielder Ryan Sweeney, though they're just "kicking the tires" at this point.

The Twins outfield has been depleted this Winter after trading away Denard Span and Ben Revere. Sweeney hit .260/.303/.373 in 63 games with the Red Sox in 2012 before undergoing surgery to repair a broken pinkie finger. If interested, he could provide solid depth with his ability to handle all three outfield positions defensively.

The Red Sox will not tender a contract to OF Ryan Sweeney.

The move was expected, as Sweeneey was slated to earn close to the $1.75 million salary he made in 2012. He was limited to just 63 games in 2012 before undergoing surgery to repair a broken pinkie finger. Scott Atchison was also non-tendered as expected.

The Red Sox are expected to non-tender OF Ryan Sweeney.

Sweeney batted .260/.303/.373 with a .675 OPS in 63 games this past season prior to undergoing surgery to repair a broken pinkie finger. While the Red Sox weren't willing to bring him back for close the $1.75 million salary he made in 2012, he should draw interest from multiple teams in free agency.

Red Sox activated OF Ryan Sweeney from the 60-day disabled list.

Sweeney appeared in just 63 games this year with the Red Sox due to a multitude of injuries. After making $1.75 million in 2012, he's a non-tender candidate this offseason.

Red Sox transferred OF Ryan Sweeney from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.

The move was made in order to add Scott Podsednik to the active roster. Sweeney, who is dealing with a broken pinkie finger after punching a door with his throwing hand, is extremely unlikely to return this season.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Red Sox are considering trading Ryan Sweeney.

It's doubtful they could get a whole lot for him, but the Red Sox need to clear some space in their outfield somehow in preparation of the return of Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford. Sweeney is batting .283/.319/.400 with no homers this season.

Red Sox activated OF Ryan Sweeney from the 15-day disabled list.

Sweeney is starting in center field and hitting seventh in the night cap of Saturday's double header against the Yankees. No word yet on the corresponding roster move for the Red Sox.

Ryan Sweeney (toe) remains without a timetable.

Sweeney is serving as the designated hitter at Double-A Portland and hasn't reported any setbacks in his rehab assignment. The hope is that he'll be ready to rejoin the Red Sox after the All-Star break.

Ryan Sweeney (toe) went 0-for-3 in his second rehab game with Double-A Portland on Friday.

After serving as the designated hitter on Thursday, Sweeney played seven innings in right field on Friday. Barring any setbacks with his toe, he should be ready to return after the All-Star break.

Ryan Sweeney (toe) went 1-for-4 with a single Thursday in his first rehab game with Double-A Portland.

Sweeney served as the designated hitter in his first game back from a stress fracture in his left big toe. He's expected to play in rehab games through the weekend and will likely rejoin the Red Sox right after the All-Star break.

Ryan Sweeney (toe) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday with Double-A Portland.

He'll join Red Sox teammates Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury in the Portland SeaDogs' outfield. Sweeney has been sidelined for about three weeks with a stress fracture in his left big toe. He should be ready for activation almost immediately after the All-Star break.

Ryan Sweeney (toe) was cleared for batting practice with the Red Sox on Friday.

Sweeney is dealing with a stress fracture in his left big toe and has been prescribed orthotics to alleviate pressure. He has no timetable, and will have to make notable progress to return before the All-Star break.

There's been no rehab date set for Ryan Sweeney (toe).

Sweeney was just recently cleared to resume working out on land, as he had previously been limited to pool work. He's dealing with a stress fracture in his left big toe, with the recovery taking longer than expected.

Red Sox placed OF Ryan Sweeney on the 15-day disabled list with an undisclosed injury.

Sweeney has been dealing with a minor toe issue and will likely be activated from the DL when first eligible. He was hitting just 3-for-19 (.158) in his last seven games. Ryan Kalish will be promoted from Triple-A Pawtucket in a corresponding move.

Red Sox activated OF Ryan Sweeney from the 15-day disabled list.

Sweeney passed a concussion test on Sunday and made it through a workout without having any issues. The 27-year-old is starting in center field in Monday afternoon's series-opener against the Tigers.

Ryan Sweeney (concussion) was cleared to begin taking swings Saturday.

It's his first bit of baseball activity since landing on the disabled list. Sweeney is eligible for activation from the disabled list Monday and could be ready shortly after that if he doesn't have any setbacks.