Dodgers decline option on RHP Penny

Nov 5, 2008 - 11:08 PM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers lost another member of their rotation Wednesday, when they declined to pick up their 2009 contract option for righthander Brad Penny.

If the Dodgers had exercised the option, Penny would have made $9.25 million next season. Instead, they bought out the 30-year-old pitcher for $2 million, making him a free agent.

Penny endured an injury-plagued 2008 campaign that included three stints on the disabled list with shoulder problems. He was limited to 19 starts, going 6-9 with a 6.27 ERA.

Another member of the rotation, Derek Lowe, recently opted for free agency. Lowe went 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA last season, the best mark among Dodgers starters.

The Dodgers also are likely lose to 42-year-old Greg Maddux, who is contemplating retirement - according to his agent - but officially filed for free agency.

Penny is the 12th Dodger to become a free agent. He joins a list that also includes Manny Ramirez, Rafael Furcal, Casey Blake, Joe Beimel, Nomar Garciaparra, Chan Ho Park, Mark Sweeney, Gary Bennett and Jason Johnson.