Currently recovering from a third back surgery, Bobby Jenks hasn't given up hope of continuing his baseball career.

Jenks had spinal fusion surgery on October 8, which involved the insertion of two plates and six screws. The recovery period for the procedure ranges from six months to a year. In addition to the three back surgeries, Jenks also became addicted to pain medication, though he says he's been sober for almost 18 months. The soon-to-be 33-year-old Jenks hasn't pitched since July of 2011, but he's not ready to call it a career. "Mentally, I'm still 100 percent in the game," said Jenks. "Even if [a return] is only for a year or two, knowing I got through everything and conquered this part of my life and finish how I want to finish ... ."

Red Sox released RHP Bobby Jenks.

Jenks appeared in only 19 games for the Red Sox after signing a two-year, $12 million free agent contract before the start of the 2011 campaign. He underwent dual back surgeries last season and was arrested in spring training this year for inflicting property damage while driving under the influence.

According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are negotiating with reliever Bobby Jenks "on a contract settlement that will end his association with the team."

The Red Sox gave Jenks a two-year, $12 million deal before the start of the 2011 season. He's appeared in only 19 games for Boston and none since last July due to dual back surgeries. Oh, and he got arrested for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage at spring training this year.

Bobby Jenks posted bail Friday after being arrested on five charges, four of which that were related to driving under the influence.

According to Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal, Jenks was charged with one count of driving under the influence, three counts of driving under the influence and damage to property and one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to property. The big right-hander dealt with lots of off-the-field issues during his minor league days but had been relatively well behaved since making to the majors. He was already slated to miss the first half of the season after undergoing two back surgeries.

Red Sox placed RHP Bobby Jenks on the 60-day disabled list with a back injury.

Yet another negative sign for Jenks, who had two back surgeries this winter and seems likely to miss nearly the entire first half of the 2012 regular season. Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine called the right-hander a "real back-burner" guy on Monday at spring training.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Monday that Bobby Jenks is a "long way away" from throwing.

Jenks underwent two back surgeries this offseason after posting a wretched 6.32 ERA across 19 relief appearances in 2011. Valentine called Jenks "a real back burner guy" on Monday and said it's doubtful that the right-hander will appear in a Grapefruit League game this spring. If that's the case, Jenks almost certainly won't be ready for major league action before May.

According to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, Bobby Jenks showed up to camp "much slimmer."

Jenks is trying to bounce back from a 2011 season that saw him post a 6.32 ERA in just 19 relief appearances. A better-toned physique should only help his cause.

After undergoing a spinal decompression procedure on December 12, Bobby Jenks recently needed another procedure to remove bone fragments from his back.

It's been a challenging year for the veteran reliever. He is unlikely to be available for the start of spring training, as recovery time usually takes about eight weeks.

Bobby Jenks underwent minor back surgery Monday.

The surgery was delayed while Jenks was receiving treatment for a pulmonary embolism. It's not known whether he'll be ready for the start of the 2012 season, but we'll likely have a better idea once he arrives to spring training. The 30-year-old right-hander was limited to just 15 2/3 innings this past season after signing a two-year, $12 million contract.

Bobby Jenks is scheduled to undergo back surgery next week.

He likely would have had the surgery sooner, but Jenks was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and the Red Sox wanted to make sure he had that under control before his back was operated on. It's unclear at this point whether Jenks will be ready for the start of next season, but we should have a better handle on things in spring training.

According to Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald, Bobby Jenks is "making progress" in his treatments for pulmonary embolism, a condition which involves a sudden blockage of an artery in the lung.

The current schedule calls for Jenks to be reevaluated in December where he could be cleared for back surgery if everything goes as planned. The 30-year-old was limited to 15 2/3 innings this season after signing a two-year, $12 million contract with the Red Sox. His status for the beginning of 2012 remains in doubt.

Because he was recently diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, no date has been set for Bobby Jenks' back surgery.

The good news is that Jenks said the recovery from surgery would be "weeks, not months." Even better news is that the pulmonary embolism was caught early enough that it's not an issue. Jenks should have a relatively normal offseason following an injury-plagued first year in Boston.

Bobby Jenks is expected to need back surgery.

Jenks has dealt with back issues for the better part of the season and will not return to pitch this year. It's not clear how long the rehab from surgery would take him. He posted a 6.32 ERA and 2.23 WHIP this season in 19 relief appearances.

Bobby Jenks (back) is likely done for the year.

Jenks was transferred to the 60-day disabled list when major league rosters expanded on the first of September and is still struggling to get back to full health. The big setup man registered a 6.32 ERA and 2.23 WHIP this season in 19 relief appearances.

Red Sox transferred RHP Bobby Jenks from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.

He was cleared to make room for the newly-acquired Conor Jackson on the 40-man roster. Jenks hasn't pitched since July 7 due to a back injury and has yet to begin a minor league rehab assignment. The Red Sox are hopeful that he will be able to return at some point during September.

Bobby Jenks (back) will make a rehab appearance for Single-A Salem Saturday.

He'll then move up to Triple-A Pawtucket for his next appearance. The Red Sox are hoping to get Jenks, who has been out since July 8 with a strained back, to rejoin their bullpen the first week of September.

Bobby Jenks (back) will begin a rehab assignment Saturday.

It's not clear at this point where the assignment will be, but the important thing is that Jenks has been cleared after throwing a second simulated game in three days at the team's spring training complex. Red Sox manager Terry Francona thinks Jenks should be ready to rejoin the big club around September 1.

Bobby Jenks (back) threw 24 pitches in a simulated game Monday without incident.

Good news. Jenks is expected to throw another simulated game Wednesday before being reevaluated. The high-priced set-up man is currently on track to rejoin the Red Sox bullpen after rosters expand in September.

Bobby Jenks (back) will throw a simulated game Monday.

Jenks has been in Florida rehabbing and is coming along slowly, but surely. He's likely to return sometime next month after rosters expand.

Bobby Jenks (back) is scheduled to throw a simulated game in the next few days.

Jenks has been in Fort Myers, FL rehabbing. Given the back issues he's had for most of the year, the Sox are taking it slowly with him, and it seems unlikely he'll return before rosters expand.