< Back to front page Text size – +

Wheeler will decline arbitration

Print | Comments () Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff December 7, 2011 11:29 AM

Tweet
E-mail

By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

DALLAS — Righthanded reliever Dan Wheeler will decline arbitration from the Red Sox. So the Sox will receive a draft pick as compensation if he signs with another team.

Wheeler had a $3 million contract option for 2012 that the Red Sox declined. They may have had an agreement in place for Wheeler to decline arbitration.

Wheeler, a Rhode Island native, had a 4.38 ERA in 47 appearances last season. After a poor start and a stint on the disabled list, Wheeler had a 2.45 ERA over his final 36 games. But Terry Francona rarely used him in high-pressure situations. Wheeler also ended the season with a sore forearm.

The Providence Journal was first to report that Wheeler had declined arbitration.