Baseball update: Previous standout pitcher from the Dodgers declares he's stepping away from the game
For the Record: Ross Stripling Folds 'em and Hang's 'em Up
In a heartfelt social media post on Monday, the scrappy and resilient former Los Angeles Dodgers all-star, Ross Stripling, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball (MLB).
Stripling, who made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2016, pitched for four teams over his nine-year career, racking up a 40-54 record with a 4.17 ERA. Although not an all-time great, Ross's journey in the Big Leagues was marked by grit, versatility, and an occasional flash of brilliance.
The rollercoaster career journey led Stripling through four teams: the Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Oakland Athletics. His finest hour came in 2022 while donning a Blue Jays jersey, as he enjoyed a breakout campaign, tallying a career-best 10 wins, and a 3.01 ERA - which was a personal record low.
"With a heart full of gratitude and memories I could never have dreamed of," Stripling penned in his retirement announcement, "This is it. Time to hang up my cleats. My journey as an MLB player has come to an end."
The fifth-round draft pick from the Dodgers in 2012 turned out to be a valuable investment for the franchise. He developed into a trusted arm in the starting rotation during his first four years in Los Angeles, before being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays amidst their championship campaign in 2020.
Despite a couple of injury-hit seasons with the Giants and Athletics, Stripling left his mark on the game with an impressive 741 strikeouts and a 134+ innings pitched tally. Beyond his numbers, the Texas-native was a consummate team player, earning the reputation of a player who always gave his all on the mound.
"I wouldn't be where I am today without the love and support of my family, friends, coaches, and teammates," Stripling continued, expressing his appreciation.
Stripling's journey didn't end on a high; he signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals during the 2025 pre-season, but a string of underwhelming outings saw him cut loose by the side. However, it seems that Ross Stripling has found solace and contentment in the knowledge that it was the end-game he set out to play – and get paid for.
"There's a deep sense of contentment in leaving the game behind," Ross concluded. "Now I can embrace my next chapter with my wonderful family at home."
Fondly known as "Chicken Strip," the nickname that stuck during his early years in the Majors, the former pitcher certainly leaves a legacy that transcends mere numbers. They don't call it "The Show" for nothing, and Ross Stripling has earned his place among its stars.
[Sources:] [1] ESPN [2] MLB.com [3] USA Today [4] FanGraphs [5] Baseball-Reference]
- In the world of sports betting, fans may be curious about the odds of Ross Stripling making a comeback in MLB given his recent retirement announcement.
- Despite his retirement, Stripling's impressive career statistics with the Los Angeles Dodgers and other teams could potentially influence the betting lines in future championship games.
- As Stripling moving into a new chapter of his life, baseball enthusiasts might view his retirement as an opportunity to analyze and discuss his contributions to the MLB, particularly his standout season with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022.
