Rutledge declined his outright assignment to Triple-A and will become a free agent Friday, Scott Lauber of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Due to a host of other options around the infield, the Red Sox decided to outright Rutledge on Thursday, although he decided he'll find more opportunities elsewhere. The 27-year-old very well could land a major league job given his defensive versatility and his serviceable .265/.345/.388 slash line he posted in 28 games with Boston last season, although his role would more likely than not be that of a reserve utility infielder.