Red Sox release slumping Smoltz

NEW YORK -- Sources confirm John Smoltz has been designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox.

Smoltz's next turn in the rotation was scheduled for Tuesday against Detroit. The Red Sox will give that start to one of two rookies: Michael Bowden or Junichi Tazawa, who will replace Smoltz on the roster tonight in New York and be available out of the bullpen.

Bowden has pitched in two major league games, including one start in 2008. Tazawa is likely to get the start Tuesday unless he is needed in relief tonight or tomorrow against the Yankees, in which case Bowden would get the start.