Red Sox outfield Jay Payton has been designated for assignment. Payton was acquired last Dec. 20 from San Diego and neither was happy with his playing time. Payton, who started the past two seasons, batted .263 with five homers and 21 RBI in 133 at-bats over 55 games. He also has played for the New York Mets and Colorado Rockies. "Jay was a valuable part of our club, but he just couldn't handle his role here," Francona said. "Last night he said, 'I tried, I couldn't do it.' It was time for him to move on."