Smoltz let go by Red Sox; Giambi is released by A’s

John Smoltz may have thrown the last pitch of his storied career.

The Boston Red Sox cut the struggling Smoltz on Friday, a day after the New York Yankees sent the 42-year-old righty to yet another early exit.

Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein traveled to New York to tell Smoltz that the team had designated him for assignment. The move gives Boston 10 days to trade or release Smoltz or send him to the minors.

“When he woke up today, he said, ‘How can I help the team win?’ ” Epstein said. “But he’s a realist and understands the results have not been what we were looking for.”

After more than two decades of big wins in Atlanta, Smoltz signed with the Red Sox in January, hoping he could recover from surgery on his right shoulder. After eight starts, the numbers weren’t pretty for a pitcher with Hall of Fame credentials: 2-5 with an 8.32 earned-run average.

A’s, Giambi part ways

Jason Giambi was released by the Oakland Athletics, cutting short the struggling slugger’s second stint with his first major league club.

The 38-year-old first baseman and designated hitter had returned to Oakland this season after seven years with the New York Yankees.

Giambi, the 2000 American League most valuable player for the A’s, has been on the disabled list since July 20 because of a strained right quadriceps.

A five-time AL All-Star, Giambi was batting only .193 -- lowest in the majors -- when he went on the DL. He has 11 home runs and 40 RBIs in 83 games this season.

Twins get Pavano

The Minnesota Twins acquired right-hander Carl Pavano from the Cleveland Indians in an attempt to shore up their rotation. The Twins will send the Indians a player to be identified later.