Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster wont play in 2014

Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Former Chicago Cub fan favorite Ryan Dempster will not pitch for the 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox due to physical reasons and wanting to spend more time with family, tweets Fox Sports and MLB Network’s Ken Rosenthal.

Dempster: “I don’t feel like I am capable of performing to the ability and standard that I am accustomed to. I feel it’s in the best . . .
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 16, 2014

“ . . interest of both the club but most importantly myself to step away from playing baseball at this time. The time is right. . . .
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 16, 2014

#RedSox expected to place Dempster on restricted list. He would not receive his $13.25M salary in 2014.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 16, 2014

When Dempster left the Cubs two years ago, he went through a well-publicized divorce and it is known that is daughter has DiGeorge Syndrome. Following her birth before the 2009 season, Dempster flew back-and-forth between Chicago and Phoenix, where she received treatment including, numerous surgeries.

Dempster, 37, earned a World Series ring last season with the Red Sox and while he states this is not retirement it would be a great way to go out. He will become a free agent after this season and has a 132-133 record with a 4.35 ERA and 2,075 strikeouts over his career. In nearly nine seasons with the Cubs, he went 67-66 with a 3.74 ERA and 1,070 strikeouts, which ranks him 11th in team history.

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