Tigers' Johnny Damon rejects trade to Red Sox

Detroit Tigers outfielder Johnny Damon has nixed a return to the Boston Red Sox, who claimed him on waivers Monday.

Damon was a key member of Boston's 2004 World Series championship team but later signed with the archrival New York Yankees after the 2005 season. He signed a one-year deal with the Tigers for this season that includes a list of 21 teams Damon could not be traded to without his approval.

The Red Sox were one of those teams.

"There's a reason why you put clauses in contracts," said Damon, who is hitting .272 with a .358 on-base percentage, seven homers, 41 RBI and eight stolen bases for Detroit this year.

-- Chuck Schilken

Reuters contributed to this report.

Photo: Johnny Damon. Credit: Kirthmon F. Dozier / Detroit Free Press / MCT