The Sidelines : Evans Cut Loose by Red Sox

Last week the Boston Red Sox said they wouldn’t exercise Dwight Evans’ contract option, and now they’ve cut him from the team.

Evans’ 19-year career with the Red Sox formally ended Monday when the team placed him on unconditional release waivers.

By placing Evans on waivers, the Red Sox did the outfielder-designated hitter a favor. That’s because Evans is a Type A free agent, according to the statistical rankings released last week.

If Evans, 39, had not been waived, he would have had to file for free agency with the Major League Baseball Players Assn. and a team would have had to give up an amateur draft choice in order to sign him. But if Evans clears waivers by Thursday’s deadline, he would be able to sign with any team without it having to give up a draft pick.