A storied career will be ending once the Chicago Cubs finish their playoff run as starting pitcher Dan Haren announced his retirement following his last regular season win Sunday against the Milawukaee Brewers.
This season, Haren started the year with the Miami Marlins and was later traded to the Cubs who will be playing the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday in the National League (NL) Wild Card game.
"I have no desire to pitch next year. That was it for me. If I have to pitch in the postseason. I'll be ready for sure," Haren said following the game according to CSNChicago.com.
"I feel actually really good with where I'm at. My stuff's been pretty crisp. But if I don't pitch in the postseason, that's it," he added.
ESPN reported that the 35-year-old pitcher will likely not be a part of Chicago's postseason roster, but his strong finish to the regular season might be enough for him to be part of the pitching rotation in the playoffs.
"I want to go out by playing in November. But I don't know what's in store for the pitching staff. I'm not going to speculate or anything like that. If my name's called, I'll definitely be ready," Haren also said.
The three-time All-Star finished the 2015 season at 11–9 with a 3.60 estimated run average (ERA) and 132 strikeouts.
For his entire career, Haren was 153–131 with a 3.75 ERA and 2,013 strikeouts playing for eight clubs, including the Cubs.
Along with Chicago, Haren also have played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Marlins.
If the Cubs win against the Pirates this Wednesday, they will be advancing to face the Cardinals in the NL Divisional series.
Chicago ended a six-year absence in the postseason this season after finishing with a 97–65 record which was third in the NL Central.
