Report: Nick Green, Joey Gathright Opt for Free Agency

After being assigned to the minor leagues last week, Nick Green and Joey Gathright have chosen to refuse the assignment and become free agents, according to WEEI.com.

As veterans with at least three years of playing time in the majors, the players held that option.

Green played an unexpectedly valuable role for the Red Sox in 2009. He was originally signed to a minor league contract, but earned a spot on the big league roster. When Jed Lowrie and Julio Lugo suffered early-season injuries, Green filled the void as the starting shortstop. In total, Green played in 103 games, 74 of which he started at shortstop.

Green, 31, hit .236 with six home runs and 35 RBIs. He hit a walk-off home run to lead off the ninth inning on June 21 against the Braves, just sneaking the ball inside of Pesky's Pole.

Green has played for five teams in his five major league seasons, and he is expected to undergo back surgery on Monday. He missed the final few weeks of the season as well as the playoffs with a slipped disc that caused leg and back issues.

Gathright had a much smaller impact for the Red Sox after he was acquired at the end of August. He registered just 16 at-bats, hitting five singles. He entered Game 3 of the ALDS as a pinch-runner, stole a base and scored a run in the Red Sox' 7-6 loss to the Angels.