Report: Rays place Jose Molina on release waivers
The Tampa Bay Rays are ready to part ways with veteran catcher Jose Molina.
Tampa Bay placed Molina on release waivers Monday, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Molina will officially be released if he clears Wednesday, and would then become a free agent.
If Molina is claimed by another team, he would have to be placed on its 40-man roster and the organization would assume his $2.5-million salary for 2015. A player can refuse the claim and opt for free agency, but his salary would be forfeited.
Provided Molina goes unclaimed, the Rays would be on the hook for his contract.
Molina, who is known for his defensive abilities, hit just .213/.271/.286 over three seasons in Tampa Bay. He was designated for assignment last week.
The Rays also placed infielder Cole Figueroa on release waivers Monday.