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Y! SPORTS
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Boston Red Sox right-hander Ryan Dempster plans to take this season off, a decision that surprised teammates and will cost the 16-year veteran $13.25 million in salary.
Dempster said Sunday he is stepping away for physical reasons and to spend more time with his family. But he left a slight opening to play in 2015.
''I had an incredible run, a chance to play 16 years in the major leagues and be around a lot of great teammates, made a lot of good friendships, great friendships,'' Dempster said one day before the first formal spring training workout for pitchers and catchers. ''I'm totally comfortable with it. I'm at peace with my decision.''
Dempster, whose contract expires after this season, finished his only year with the Red Sox with an 8-9 record and a 4.57 ERA and didn't get a start during their postseason run to a World Series title.
Dempster said Sunday he is stepping away for physical reasons and to spend more time with his family. But he left a slight opening to play in 2015.
''I had an incredible run, a chance to play 16 years in the major leagues and be around a lot of great teammates, made a lot of good friendships, great friendships,'' Dempster said one day before the first formal spring training workout for pitchers and catchers. ''I'm totally comfortable with it. I'm at peace with my decision.''
Dempster, whose contract expires after this season, finished his only year with the Red Sox with an 8-9 record and a 4.57 ERA and didn't get a start during their postseason run to a World Series title.