Fort Myers, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ryan Dempster announced at a press conference on Sunday that he will not pitch in 2014.
Dempster, who signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox before last season, was scheduled to make $13.25 million in 2014 and will likely be placed on the restricted list.
Dempster will turn 37 in May and will not receive salary compensation if he is placed on the restricted list.
"I've never had to work a day in my life," Dempster said. "It's meant the world to me. I'm so thrilled and humbled by everything the game has given me. I'm extremely grateful. It took me a long time to come to this decision. I wanted to be 100 percent behind it and I am."
Dempster cited health and family as reasons to not pitch in the upcoming season, but he didn't rule out a return to the majors at some point in the future.
A two-time All-Star, Dempster compiled an 8-9 record with a 4.57 ERA in 32 games (29 starts) last season in helping the Red Sox to the World Series title.
Dempster has a career mark of 132-133 with 87 saves and a 4.35 ERA over 579 games (351 starts) during a 16-year career with the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Red Sox.
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