In a move that comes as no surprise, the Phillies announced Monday that they have declined their 2012 contract options for starter Roy Oswalt and reliever Brad Lidge.
It's still possible that either or both could return next year at a lower salary, and general manager Ruben Amaro said he would remain in contact with both pitchers' agents. But the Phillies had no intention of paying $16 million for Oswalt (the price of his option), or $12.5 million for Lidge (his option).
Instead, they'll pay buyouts of $2 million to Oswalt and $1.5 million to Lidge.
The 34-year-old Oswalt battled back trouble this year, when he went 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA in his first full season with the Phillies. Lidge, who is also 34, was limited to 25 games because of injuries, but had a 1.40 ERA.