Jason Isringhausen not retiring, still pursuing Major League deal

Pitcher Jason Isringhausen is not retiring despite earlier reports.

Isringhausen accepted a role as a coach for Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and earlier reports stated that the move would signal his retirement from baseball.

Isringhausen, 40, pitched for the Angels last season in a middle-relief role and had an ERA of 4.14. He has been seeking Major League deals this offseason, but has yet to land one.

After the initial report, Isringhausen's agents, Beverly Hills Sports Council, releaesd a series of tweets, saying that the move is so he can continue working out and throwing off a mound while pursuing a Major League deal. The position that Isringhausen will fill for the college is that of a volunteer coach.

Isringhausen was thought to be done as a Major League player until 2011 when the Mets signed him to a contract, and he made the team out of Spring Training. He caught on with the Angels last season.

Isringhausen was once considered to be a highly-touted pitching prospect, but injuries derailed him. He revived his career in Oakland as a closer, but would eventually sign with the Cardinals in free agency after his time in Oakland. He was able to overcome his injuries to carve out a successful Major League career, which is difficult for many pitching prospects.