Red Sox Release Brad Penny

10:54pm: John Tomase of the Boston Herald just spoke with Penny, who asked for and was granted his release Wednesday night from the Red Sox.

“I asked for my release and I got it,” Penny told the Herald after Wednesday's contest.  “I enjoyed playing with all of the guys. I played for a great manager on a great team. I had a great time. I enjoyed it. I wish things had worked out better, but that happens.”  He's hoping to sign on with another team before the end of August in order to become eligible for postseason play.  Obviously he's looking to land with a contender.

10:11pm: Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe suspects the Red Sox may soon cut ties with right-hander Brad Penny.  As Carfado reports,

After [Wednesday's] game, the Sox brass, which included owner John Henry, general manager Theo Epstein, director of baseball operations Brian O'Halloran and Terry Francona met with Penny before Francona's post-game press conference. Penny then chatted briefly with Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick and left without speaking.

The Red Sox need a 40-man roster spot for newly acquired reliever Billy Wagner, and Tim Wakefield's fine performance Wednesday night — seven innings, one run, three hits — should have the club feeling confident about dumping a pitcher.  The 31-year-old Penny has a 5.61 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 24 starts this season and has expressed a lack of interest in joining Boston's bullpen corps.  It's all specualtion and rumor at this point, but a release or DFAing does make some sense.  Keep in mind that he can no longer be traded.