Murphy opted out of his contract with the Red Sox on Sunday, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

The minor league contract agreed to by the parties in late February included an opt out for March 27, which Murphy has taken advantage of. He's actually fared OK at the plate this spring, notching a .273/.286/.364 slash line with three RBI, five runs scored, and one walk versus four strikeouts. The Red Sox will have 48 hours to respond to Murphy's request, but the move may stick, as Scott Lauber of ESPN Boston speculates that Rusney Castillo may have to be optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket in order to place Murphy on the 25-man roster.