(Crain’s) — Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood will announce his retirement from baseball today, according to a report.
ESPN Chicago reports that the 34-year-old will call it quits amid a rough start to his 14th major-league season, which has been marred by health issues.
Mr. Wood, who made his major league debut in 1998 with the Cubs, is 0-2 this season with an ERA of 8.64.
One of the faces of the Cubs franchise for most of the last decade, Mr. Wood had several notable moments during his two stints on the North side that totaled nearly 12 seasons, including a 20-strikeout game as a rookie in 1998 that tied for the Major League Baseball record.
The two-time All-Star also played a key role in the Cubs’ run to the National League Championship Series in 2003, and started Game 7 against the Florida Marlins the day after the infamous Game 6 loss known for fan interference by Steve Bartman.
After two seasons away from Chicago that featured stints with the Cleveland Indians and new York Yankees, Mr. Wood returned to the Cubs in 2011 with a one-year deal worth $1.5 million.
He signed another one-year deal worth $3 million for the 2012 season.
The Cubs kick off the 2012 BP Crosstown Cup against the Chicago White Sox today at Wrigley Field.
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