John Smoltz's brief and disappointing stay with the Red Sox has come to its official end.

The Red Sox have confirmed this afternoon that, as expected, they have released the 42-year-old righthander, who won just two of eight starts with the Sox while posting an 8.33 ERA. The news was first reported by FoxSports.com

Smoltz, who won 210 games and saved 154 during a 20-year run with the Atlanta Braves, was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on August 7, the day after allowing eight runs in 3 1/3 innings in a loss to the Yankees.

Smoltz will become a free agent Wednesday once he clears release waivers. According to the FoxSports report, a number of teams are interested in Smoltz, among them the Dodgers, Marlins, Cardinals, and Rangers. The report also says that Smoltz "does not intend to retire and is open to joining clubs as a starter or reliever."

Smoltz signed a one-year, $5.5 million with the Red Sox in January after missing most of last season following shoulder surgery. Should he sign with another team, that club will have to pay him only the pro-rated minimum, with the Red Sox picking up the remainder of the deal.

The Red Sox had spoken to Smoltz about returning to the minor leagues to begin working as a reliever, but he decided against that option.