Former Mets OF Jay Payton might’ve successfully talked his way out of Boston. From the Boston Globe :
The Red Sox have had a busy day, reportedly designating outfielder Jay Payton for assignment, calling up Adam Stern to take his place, and exchanging utility infielders with the Indians.
The Red Sox also today dealt recently demoted Ramon Vazquez to the Indians for Alex Cora, who was hitting .205 in 49 games this season. The team announced the deal, but hasn™t commented on the Payton or Stern moves.
The Sox will almost surely try to trade Payton as he has been vocal about his desire to be a starter. He has played in 54 of the team™s 83 games, hitting .263 with five homers and 21 RBIs.
Stern, who was acquired by the Red Sox in the Rule 5 draft, was hitting .303 in 18 games with the PawSox. Because Stern was a Rule 5 pickup, the Sox would have had to eventually make a decision to either promote him or return him to the Atlanta Braves.