Sat 7/2/11 11:14 PM

Rays released RHP Chris Bootcheck. Bootcheck used the opt-out in his contract and will seek out a better situation. The former first-round pick has posted a quality 3.57 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 58 innings this season at the Triple-A level, but wasn't going to be given a major league roster spot in Tampa Bay. He may get a chance to start somewhere.