Red Sox Exercise Option on Ortiz, ‘as a Formality’

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have exercised their 2017 option on designated hitter David Ortiz "as a formality," even though he has said he will retire.

The team also exercised its option on right-hander Clay Buchholz and declined the option on catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Ortiz spent the last season on a farewell tour after announcing that he would retire at the age of 40. But the team picked up the $17.2 million option to retain his rights in case he changes his mind.

Buchholz will earn $13 million.

Hanigan receives an $800,000 buyout instead of a $3.75 million salary and becomes a free agent.

The Red Sox also reinstated third baseman Pablo Sandoval, catcher Blake Swihart, infielder Josh Rutledge and righties Carson Smith and Brandon Workman from the 60-day disabled list. Rutledge was sent outright to Triple-A Pawtucket.