Brad Penny confirmed via text message to WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford that he had requested and was granted his release following Wednesday’s game against the White Sox. The news of the pitcher’s release was first reported by the Boston Herald. Penny, signed to a one-year, $5 million deal this offseason, told the Herald that he was hoping to be released so that he would have time to sign with a contending club before Aug. 31, thereby making him eligible to pitch in the postseason.

As WEEI.com reported Tuesday, Penny was not eligible to be traded after he was claimed on trade waivers earlier this month and subsequently pulled back by the Red Sox.

Penny was available in the bullpen on Wednesday, but his clear preference has always been to remain a starter, and the Red Sox said that they did not view it as being in either the pitcher’s or the team’s best interests to make him a reliever. Penny told the Herald that he was grateful for his time with the Red Sox, and he has frequently credited the team’s shoulder program with having restored his career. While the results fell short of what he would have liked, the pitcher sounded a note of gratitude as he cut ties with the team.

“I enjoyed playing with all of the guys,” Penny told the Herald. “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.”

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