Free agent Javier Vazquez was hoping to return to the major
league ranks this season, but his comeback attempt has been cut short due to a
knee injury. The veteran right-hander will not pitch in 2013 as he recovers
from meniscus surgery on his right knee, according to James Wagner of The
Washington Post.
Wagner adds that a retirement announcement could come soon
from Vazquez’s camp. He’s also bowed out of the World Baseball Classic.
Vazquez had spent the offseason pitching in the Puerto Rican
Winter League, hitting 93 mph on the radar gun, according to reports. Several
teams scouted the veteran, including the Washington Nationals, New York Mets,
Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox and
Philadelphia Phillies.
Vazquez was out of baseball altogether last season after an
impressive campaign in 2011 with the Miami Marlins. He was hoping to showcase
his abilities in the WBC in order to garner a deal with a big league team.
While Vazquez was connected to multiple teams this winter, those
in need of rotation insurance still have plenty of options remaining on the
free agent market. Everyone knows Kyle Lohse is still out there, but cheaper
alternatives consist of Carlos Zambrano, Chien-Ming Wang and Roy Oswalt.
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