Boston Red Sox pick up option on RHP Clay Buchholz

The Boston Red Sox announced several roster moves on Thursday, although none comes as a major surprise.

The team exercised its 2017 contract option on right-handed pitcher Clay Buchholz but declined its option on catcher Ryan Hanigan, making Hanigan a free agent.

Buchholz, 32, was 8-10 with a 4.78 ERA this past season, although he was 5-1 with 2.80 ERA from July 27.

Hanigan, 36, batted .171 in 2016 and was limited to 35 games because of injuries.

As a formality, the club also exercised its 2017 contract option on designated hitter David Ortiz, who is still expected to retire this offseason.

Third baseman Pablo Sandoval, outfielder/catcher Blake Swihart, and right-handed pitchers Carson Smith and Brandon Workman were reinstated from the 60-day disabled list. Infielder Josh Rutledge was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list and outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket.