MIAMI -- Marlon Byrd, who was designated for assignment last week by the Red Sox, was released by the team Tuesday.
Byrd had been obtained from the Cubs in exchange for pitchers Michael Bowden and Hunter Cervenka on April 21, a week after the team lost Jacoby Ellsbury to the disabled list and didn't have enough major league-capable outfielders.
In 34 games, Byrd hit a respectable .270, but showed virtually no power, accumulating just three extra-base hits (two doubles and a home run) in 106 plate appearances. He also drew just two walks, resulting in a paltry .286 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of just .320.
Worse, Byrd's instincts seemed to have deserted him in the field, where he too often broke the wrong way on balls.
The Sox designated him last Friday to make room for the activation of Daisuke Matsuzaka.
They had 10 days to release him or trade him. The Sox took on only the pro-rated portion of the minimum salary, with the Cubs being responsible for the remainder of his 6.5 million salary.