Phillies' A.J. Burnett is likely to retire following season

It appears that the career of right-hander A.J. Burnett is winding down, as the 37-year-old tells CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury that he is unlikely to play following this season. When asked about his possible retirement, Burnett responded by saying "I have no idea. Probably not. But we'll see."

Coincidentally, last night's start also marked Burnett's 27th of the season, meaning he will now receive $10 million rather than $8.5 million should he choose to play next season. As part of Burnett's intriguing one-year, $16 million deal signed with the Phillies last offseason, the Phillies and Burnett hold a $15 million mutual option for 2015. However, if the Phillies decide to decline, Burnett still holds the option to return at a reduced rate contingent on the amount of starts he makes this year. As it stands, he would receive $10 million, though that number could reach $12.75 million if Burnett makes 32 starts this season, which he is currently on pace to do.

Not too surprising considering his age, Burnett is having a rough year in his first season with Philadelphia. He has been burdened by a sports hernia, but has yet to miss a start, and in 171 innings pitched, he has a 4.42 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 7.6 K/9, 4.0 BB/9, and 0.9 WAR. He currently leads the NL with 14 losses and 76 walks issued. His 2014 performance is a far cry from Burnett's strong season with the Pittsburgh Pirates last year. In 191 innings, he had a 3.30 ERA, 2.80 FIP, and 4.0 WAR, while posting a league-leading 9.8 K/9.