Cleveland, OH (My Sportsbook) - The Cleveland Indians decided not to pick up the option on pitcher Jaret Wright's contract for the 2003 season. Cleveland had a $6 million option for next year on the righthander. Wright burst upon the scene in 1997, going 8-3 in the regular season and then winning three postseason starts, including Game 4 of the World Series against Florida. He declined to be outrighted and is expected to file for free agency. He has been bothered by injuries over the past few years. Wright spent the first half of last season on the disabled list with shoulder problems. He has had two operations on the shoulder since June 2000, and underwent elbow surgery in 2001. The 26-year-old right-handed hurler was 2-3 with a 15.71 ERA in eight games this season. For his career, Wright owns a 35-32 record to go along with a 5.50 ERA. In 1998 he won a career-high 12 games. He has recorded 360 strikeouts during his six years in the majors, all with the Indians. |
