White Sox DH Adam LaRoche Suddenly Announces Retirement

Chicago White Sox designated hitter Adam LaRoche announced his retirement from MLB on Tuesday, citing an undisclosed personal issue in his decision to step away from the game.

White Sox DH Adam LaRoche Suddenly Announces Retirement

LaRoche, 36, was set to reportedly make $13 million this season, and was expected to return to the White Sox’s lineup last weekend after suffering from back spasms, which he began feeling after taking a swing in a game on March 5. He has gone 1-for-5 in the two spring games he has played in.

LaRoche said he would address his decision in more detail later this week.

“I want to sleep on it again,” the designated hitter said, according to the Chicago Tribune. “I didn’t come in yesterday because I wanted to make sure it was the right move and make an emotional decision. I’m confident it is. Out of my respect for these guys and Rick, they asked me to give it a day or two to confirm.”

White Sox manager Robin Ventura reportedly tried to talk LaRoche out of his decision.

Last season, LaRoche batted .207 with 12 home runs in his first season with the White Sox.

Over the course of his 12-year professional career, he had a 0.260 batting average and slugged 255 home runs, hitting a career-high 33 for the Washington Nationals in 2012. Before the White Sox, LaRoche played for five different teams: the Atlanta Braves, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Boston Red Sox, and the Nationals.

LaRoche is the son of former major league pitcher Dave LaRoche.

Caption:SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 22: Adam LaRoche #25 of the Chicago White Sox hits a game-tying groundout in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on August 22, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)