PHOENIX, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- If Miguel Bastista has a future in major league baseball, it appears likely it will not be with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Arizona Republic reported Friday that the team will not exercise its option for 2004 on the veteran righthander.
The paper said Batista, was one of three pitchers who has a team-high 10 victories this season, will receive a $300,000 buyout. It also said the Diamondbacks have not ruled out bringing him back next season.
The Diamondbacks hold sole negotiating rights to him until 15 days after the completion of the World Series, and apparently wants to explore the possibility of signing Batista at a rate lower than the option.
"By no means does this suggest we have nothing to talk about," General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. told the paper.
He said he has left telephone messages for Batista's agent, Martin Arburua, at his office and on his cellphone.
For his career, Batista is 42-50 with an ERA of 4.39. He has pitched for six different teams.
