Dempster To Take The Season Off
FORT MYERS, Fla. (CBS/AP) — Pitcher Ryan Dempster has decided not to play this season for physical reasons and to spend more time with his family.
Dempster made the announcement Sunday. He will be placed on the restricted list and not be paid his salary of $13.25 million.
Dempster told reporters he made the decision weeks ago.
"I'm both physically and mentally not ready to do my job," he said.
Dempster, 36, was 8-9 with a 4.57 earned run average for the Red Sox last season but was taken out of the rotation for the playoffs.
Dempster finished last season 8-9 with a 4.57 ERA and didn't get a start during the Red Sox's postseason run to a World Series title.
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