CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have declined outfielder Grady Sizemore’s $9 million contract option for 2012, making the former All-Star eligible for free agency.
The team did exercise pitcher Fausto Carmona’s $7 million for next season.
Injuries have sabotaged Sizemore’s career, limiting him to just 210 games the past three seasons. He has undergone five surgeries, two on his knees, in three years, The Indians have been patient with the 29-year-old, but have apparently decided they can no longer wait for him. It’s possible the Indians may try to re-sign Sizemore, who hit 33 homers and stole 38 bases in 2008, as a free agent.
Carmona was the Indians’ opening-day starter last season. He went just 7-15 with a 5.25 ERA in 32 starts, but stayed healthy and got little run support.
