Ryan Dempster arrived at Spring Training only to say goodbye.The Red Sox pitcher announced Sunday that he would not be pitching in the 2014 season. He blames his physical unpreparedness and the desire to spend more time with his family as the contributing factors to why he will not play this year.
Dempster did make it clear that he is not calling this retirement. After 16 years in the majors and a fresh off of a World Series win, the 36-year old is likely nearing the end of his career anyway.
Dempster fulfilled one year of his two year contract with the Red Sox. He pitched an 8-9 record last season with a 4.57 ERA in 32 games.He threw his final pitches in a Red Sox uniform in a closing role during game one of the World Series against the Cardinals.
The Red Sox now have a more solidified idea of a rotation ready for opening day. With Dempster gone, Farrell will likely put Jon Lester, Clay Bucholz, Jake Peavy, John Lackey, and Felix Doubront.
The Red Sox will take the field in just 11 days for its first exhibition game of Spring Training
