Boyd Says He’s Set to Rejoin Red Sox, but Team Says: Settle Finances First

Suspended Boston Red Sox pitcher Dennis (Oil Can) Boyd said Thursday that his drug tests were negative and he wants to go back to work, but the Red Sox say not yet. Boyd was released from a hospital and paid a $25 fine at Norfolk County District Court for a three-year-old speeding ticket.

“I have been given medical clearance to return to baseball and I am eager to rejoin my teammates as soon as possible,” Boyd said in a statement released by his agent, George Kalaftis.

A Red Sox official said the team, which has not received the test results, would like Boyd to settle his finances before returning and that Boyd would be reinstated without “any loss of compensation.”

Boyd’s troubles began July 10 when he stormed out of the Red Sox clubhouse after learning he didn’t make the American League All-Star team. The Red Sox suspended him.

On July 15, Boyd was stopped by two detectives outside his home and searched for drugs. Police said they found none, but also said Boyd threatened to shoot them. No gun was found.

The following day, the Red Sox extended the suspension indefinitely, and a day after that, Boyd checked himself into the hospital for a complete evaluation.