Report: Papelbon interested in Red Sox reunion
It seems Jonathan Papelbon still loves that dirty water.
The former All-Star closer requested and received his release from the Washington Nationals on Saturday, and it appears he's interested in returning to the Boston Red Sox, sources told Rob Bradford of WEEI.
It's unclear what level of interest Boston has in a reunion with the mercurial fireballer, who spent the first seven years of his career with the club, though the team's front office may be giving more than just a cursory glance.
"It just happened, but I would say it's worth looking into," Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski told reporters Saturday.
Papelbon, for his part, is going to choose the situation that will give him the best chance to succeed for the remainder of this year, according to Bradford.
The 35-year-old was a force out of the Red Sox bullpen from 2005-11, recording a franchise-record 219 saves, earning four straight All-Star berths, and helping the Red Sox win the 2007 World Series.
His 4.37 ERA this season is a career high, and he lost his closer's job in Washington to Mark Melancon after the trade deadline.