10-Year Veteran Reliever Calls It Quits

After an injury-riddled back half of his career, and now at age 36, Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever David Phelps has officially hung up the cleats.

After 15 years, David’s ready for his next chapter. #TeamWass pic.twitter.com/0Mjqi6CaWB

— Wasserman Baseball (@WassBaseball) January 18, 2023

"To the Yankees, Marlins, Mariners, Blue Jays, Cubs, Brewers and Phillies organizations: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to compete for you over these past years," wrote Phelps. "To my managers and coaches: Thank you for having faith in me, giving me the ball and for finding a way to get the most out of me. 

"To my strength coaches, trainers, and mental performance coaches: Thank you for helping keep me on the field, as challenging as that may have been and for helping me through some dark times while rehabbing. To my clubhouse managers and support staff: Thank you for the long hours and late nights. You do all the work and get none of the credit. I am grateful for each and every one of you...

"To my teammates: Thank you for going to battle with me night in and night out. It is a grind that few understand, and it has been my pleasure to be a part of it along with you."

Phelps spent two of the last five years undergoing grueling year-long rehabs. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 and missed that entire season, and then had a complicated lat revision surgery in 2021. He came back from that this past season and had a solid year in the Blue Jays' bullpen, pitching in 65 games to a 2.83 ERA with 9K/9. 

He finishes his 10-year career having played for seven different teams, compiling a 3.80 ERA and 8.8 strikeouts per nine.

Congrats are in order for a great career.

Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports