Relief pitcher Julian Tavarez changed his mind and refused an assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket Thursday and will give other major-league teams a look.

Providence Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach

OAKLAND, Calif. — Julian Tavarez, who only a few days ago elected to accept an assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket, has had a change of heart and has instead elected free agency.

Tavarez, who was designated for assignment earlier this month, cleared waivers earlier this week and, as a vested veteran, had the option of becoming a free agent or being assigned to Pawtucket. Either way, the Red Sox were responsible for his $3.75-million salary for this season.

Tavarez initially accepted the assignment with the hope that he could be recalled by the Sox during the course of the season. The Red Sox had informed Tavarez that, even if he accepted the minor-league assignment, they wouldn’t stand in the way if a team expressed an interest in him for a major-league spot.

He was expected to report to McCoy Thursday, but called and told the team that he had changed his mind and would become a free agent.

If he signs elsewhere, the Red Sox would get a small bit of salary relief, saving about $130,000, or the pro-rated share of the major-league minimum.

Among the teams that had indicated an interest in either dealing for him or claiming him on waivers were Colorado, Milwaukee and Baltimore.

Schilling airs it out

Curt Schilling threw long-toss from a distance of 140 feet yesterday, his most strenuous test yet as he continues his rehab from shoulder and biceps weakness.

“That’s a pretty significant (distance),” said manager Terry Francona. “That’s a little bit of effort. At 60 or 80 (feet), you could probably pretend.”

“It went well; it really did,” reported Schilling, who felt only the normal strain during his throw.

He intends to throw off a mound in a bullpen session two weeks from yesterday, which will be his biggest test yet.

Yankees tune out Ortiz

A promotion involving David Ortiz during the All-Star festivities could be in jeopardy, thanks to the New York Yankees.

In an arrangement sponsored by State Farm Insurance and approved by Major League Baseball, a fan will get to call a shot by Ortiz before the State Farm-sponsored Home Run Derby.

If the fan correctly calls Ortiz’s shot, he or she will win a Chevy Tahoe.

But Thursday, the Yankees expressed concern with the promotion, saying they were uncomfortable with the idea of a contest built around a member of their archrivals, particularly during the final season at Yankee Stadium.

“I think the Yankees are going through a lot of things,” said Ortiz, “so it might bother them for a minute. But I had nothing to do with it. … I have no control over that.”

Told of the controversy, of which he had no previous knowledge, Francona dryly asked: “Is this sponsored?” Told that it was, he gave a knowing smile. “Then they’ll probably find a way to work this out.”

Temporary absence for Hale

Third-base coach DeMarlo Hale remains absent from the team and with his wife, who is undergoing medical tests, in Orlando. Fla. The Sox are hopeful that Hale can rejoin the team this weekend. In the meantime, bench coach Brad Mills is filling in for Hale at third. … Francona admitted that he “struggled” to decide between Jacoby Ellsbury or Coco Crisp in center against Rich Harden, last night’s Oakland starter. He cited Crisp’s success against hard-throwing pitchers, but also noted that Ellsbury had a strong homestand (.333, eight runs scored in seven games). Ultimately, he went with Ellsbury. … Jon Lester, who pitched a no-hitter Monday night against Kansas City, was interviewed before the game for the ESPN’s Sunday Night Conversation. … Bartolo Colon, who made his Red Sox debut Wednesday, threw his usual side session here yesterday and will start Monday in Seattle. Colon will still be on a careful pitch count, limited to approximately 90-95 pitches. “We want him to keep building (up his arm strength).”

Journal Sports Writer Joe McDonald contributed to this report.

smcadam@projo.com