Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reports that six to seven teams are interested in free agent reliever Matt Thornton.

Cotillo hears that the Nationals are one of them. Thorton, 37, is coming off a 3.74 ERA and 30/15 K/BB ratio over 47 1/3 innings this past season between the White Sox and Red Sox. He's not the dominant reliever he once was, but should still be useful in 2014.

Red Sox declined LHP Matt Thornton's $6 million option for 2014.

The 36-year-old southpaw will receive a $1 million buy-out and become a free agent. Even after a disappointing season where he registered a 3.74 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 30/15 K/BB ratio over 47 1/3 innings he should be highly sought after this Winter.

Matt Thornton will not be on the World Series roster for the Red Sox.

The Red Sox had Thornton throw a simulated game Tuesday at Fenway Park, which led to some speculation that he could be added to the roster for the Fall Classic. However, the Red Sox have decided against making any changes from the ALDS/ALCS.

Matt Thornton threw a bullpen session Monday and will pitch in a simulated game Tuesday.

Thornton was left off the roster for the ALDS and the ALCS, but the Red Sox want him ready just in case. While there's a chance the veteran left-hander could be added to the roster for the World Series, possibly in place of Franklin Morales, he hasn't pitched in a game since September 29.

Red Sox activated LHP Matt Thornton from the 15-day disabled list.

Thornton missed three weeks with a strained oblique and will return to a left-handed setup role. The 36-year-old has a 3.47 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 50 relief appearances this season.

Matt Thornton (oblique) threw a simulated game Friday.

Thornton hasn't had any setbacks with his strained right oblique and will avoid a rehab assignment. The Red Sox are hoping to activate him from the disabled list Sunday.

Matt Thornton (oblique) threw on flat ground Tuesday.

"He threw flat ground today after he threw long toss," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "No symptoms in the oblique that he's been dealing with, so he's advancing pretty good given our first initial thought when he first walked off the mound." Thornton is eligible to return on August 20, but he'll likely need a rehab assignment first.

Red Sox placed LHP Matt Thornton on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 5, with a right oblique strain.

Thornton suffered the injury Sunday and will now get some extended rest. Look for him to return earlier this month. The Red Sox have called up Pedro Beato to replace him in the bullpen.

Matt Thornton has felt continued improvement with his strained right oblique.

Thornton suffered the injury Sunday, but it appears that he'll be available out of the bullpen soon. "He feels improved, just by going through range of motion type movements," Red Sox manager John Farrell said Tuesday. "If it's not really restricted, he'll play light catch up to 90 feet. A roster decision may have to be made if we don't see further progression by tomorrow. He's improved and we want to give him another day."

Matt Thornton was removed from Sunday's game with a right oblique issue.

The full extent of the injury isn't yet known, but it's very possible that Thornton will be placed on the disabled list. Franklin Morales is nearing the end of his rehab assignment and will likely replace him on the active roster.

Matt Thornton left Sunday's game with an apparent injury.

Thornton was removed from the game in the eighth inning. The Red Sox will provide an update on his status soon.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Red Sox are eyeing Matt Thornton as a possible trade option.

Rosenthal says Thornton is one name on a "long list" of bullpen targets for the Red Sox. He also adds that the Braves kicked the tires on the left-hander, but their interest is "limited." Thornton has posted a 3.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 38 games this season.

Matt Thornton picked up his 12th hold in Sunday's victory against the A's.

The 36-year-old (3.66 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) ranks fifth in the American League in holds, giving him plenty of value in formats that reward for that stat. Unfortunately, Thornton hasn't been as dominant as in years past, likely due to his diminished velocity. After averaging more than a strikeout per inning over the course of his career, Thornton has a rough 11/8 K/BB ratio over 28 appearances. He's transitioned from dominant setup man to specialist.

Matt Thornton (elbow) threw a 40-pitch live batting practice Wednesday with no issues.

Matt Thornton (elbow) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Sunday with no issues.

He was able to mix in all of his pitches during the session. Thornton had been dealing with some inflammation in his pitching elbow, but it appears he's now ready to roll.

Matt Thornton (elbow) played catch Thursday without incident.

"The MRI was extremely over the top precautionary," said Thornton. "It was the back side of the elbow and the ligaments are fine. It's probably just tendinitis I'm guessing, whatever you want to call it. I'll get that area under control and move forward. I'm fine." Thornton expects to play catch again before progressing to a bullpen session and eventually live batting practice. He's aiming to make his Cactus League debut on March 5, so he should have plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day.

Matt Thornton (elbow) plans to play catch Thursday.

Thornton was diagnosed with inflammation in his elbow earlier this week following an MRI, but he said Wednesday that the pain doesn't compare to what he dealt with back in 2010. The veteran southpaw should only need a few outings to get ready for the season, so the White Sox will likely ease him into action.

Matt Thornton (elbow) said Wednesday that he'll resume throwing in two days.

Thorton underwent an MRI on Tuesday which showed inflammation in his elbow, but no structural damage. The veteran southpaw is confident that it won't be a lingering issue.

An MRI on Matt Thornton's left elbow showed inflammation.

Thornton didn't participate in Tuesday's workouts due to elbow discomfort. The MRI didn't show reveal any structural damage, so while it would be better if he didn't need the MRI at all, things could have been worse. However, it's not clear when he'll resume throwing.

Matt Thornton was held out of workouts Tuesday due to elbow discomfort.

It's not clear how long he'll be sidelined. Thornton, 36, had a 3.46 ERA and 53/17 K/BB ratio over 65 innings last season and is owed $5.5 million in 2013.