The Texas Rangers told Jason Hammel yesterday that he had made the team’s Opening Day roster and would be the long man.
Jason Hammel told the Rangers today, thanks, but I’ve decided to retire, per the beat guys on Twitter. Hammel reportedly indicated that he wanted to spend more time with his family.
It is a curious decision for a guy who stuck it out to the end of spring training on a minor league deal. Hammel had said that he wouldn’t go to the minors, and would only keep pitching if he was in the majors, but when that potentiality became reality, it appears Hammel decided the grind and time away from his kids wasn’t worth it.