Starting pitcher Ryan Dempster announced Sunday that he will not pitch for the Boston Red Sox in the 2014 season.
According to CBS Sports, Dempster has neck issues and cited them as the main reason he will sit out.
Dempster also said that he wants to spend more time with his kids, according to CBC Sports. He was expected to report to spring training and create competition for the Red Sox rotation.
Dempster pitched in 29 games for the Red Sox in 2013, winning eight games.
His record stood at 8-9 with a 4.57 earned run average and 157 strikeouts in 171.1 innings, and he won his first World Series with the Red Sox.
Assuming the Red Sox place Dempster on the restricted list, they will free $13.25 million in team payroll.
Dempster has played in the majors for 16 seasons now. He has played for the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers. He served as the Cubs' closer for three seasons and notched 87 saves before being promoted to the starting rotation.
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