John Rejects Minors, Becomes Free Agent

Tommy John, 45, who was the New York Yankees’ most consistent pitcher in the last two seasons, became a free agent Thursday when he refused to be sent to the minor leagues.

John, a 25-year major league veteran, was 9-8 with a 4.49 earned-run average in 1988 after going 13-6 with a 4.03 ERA in 1987. He is 286-224 in his career.

“I still have some quality innings left in my arm and I would have liked nothing more than to remain a Yankee,” the left-hander said in a statement read by his lawyer, Jeffrey Klein, in New York. “However, they indicated I was not in their plans for 1989, and rather than accept a minor league contract with Columbus, I have chosen to become a free agent in order to pursue opportunities with other major league teams.”