Philadelphia’s Inquirer Matt Gelb reports that Phillies will not be exercising their $4.5 million option on J.C Romero. The Phillies will pay the buyout of $250.000 and Romero will become a free-agent.

Romero, 34, has been pitching with the Phillies from 2007. This season he had 60 appearances, working for 36.2 innings, leaving an ERA of 3.68 with 28 strikeouts and three saves.