Rays Release Aging & Underperforming Pitcher—He Refuses to Retire

He hasn't pitched in a big league game in two years; the Tampa Bay Rays gave him a shot this spring, but once again injuries limited his performance and he's now been released. Nevertheless, 34-year-old Jake Odorizzi has no plans to retire.

Just talked to Odorizzi. He is not retiring, said performance in #Rays spring and AAA @DurhamBulls games was limited by a hamstring strain, not an arm issue.
Will let leg heal then build up arm again. When ready, would be open to re-signing with #Rays or with another team.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 11, 2024

Odorizzi was only able to pitch in three innings during spring training with Tampa due to injury, allowing two walks and three earned runs.  In 5 1/3 innings at AAA Durham this month, the results were even worse: eight hits, seven earned runs, five walks versus only two strikeouts, and an ERA of 11.81. 

But the 11-year veteran, who sat out all of last season recovering from shoulder surgery, will attempt to continue his career in another organization. He says he's dealing with a hamstring strain, and will wait until he's 100% before throwing again and looking to catch on with a new team.

Odorizzi has faced numerous health issues over the past several seasons, including an intercostal strain in 2020, a flexor strain in his right arm and a tendon strain in his lower leg in 2021 and 2022, then the shoulder injury that kept him out of all of 2023. This spring, he's been battling a hamstring strain.

Over the course of his career, Odorizzi has compiled a 3.99 ERA, though he's only been below the 4.20 mark once in the last six seasons. He has a career WHIP of 1.25 and an 8.4 to 3.1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Photo:  Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports