Red Sox non-tender Rich Hill, Ryan Sweeney

With Friday night's deadline looming, the Boston Red Sox have decided to non-tender contracts in 2013 to left-handed pitcher Rich Hill and outfielder Ryan Sweeney, making the two players free agents, the Red Sox announced Friday (via Twitter).

Hill, 32, made 25 appearances for the Red Sox in relief last season, posting a 1.83 ERA across 19 2/3 innings of work. The southpaw posted an excellent 9.6 K/9, but also walked the park (5.0 BB/9).

Sweeney, 27, came to Boston last season from the Oakland Athletics in the Andrew Bailey trade. He struggled offensively, batting just .260/.303/.373 in 219 plate appearances.

In addition to Hill and Sweeney, the Red Sox earlier today opted to non-tender right-handed reliever Scott Atchison a contract for 2013, too.

All three players could still re-sign with the club, if there is mutual interest between the sides, but the Red Sox will have competition now that the players are free agents and able to negotiate deals with any club.