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Rays outfielder Colby Rasmus has been placed on the restricted list after deciding to “step away” from baseball, according to a team announcement. Rasmus is unlikely to return this season.
Rasmus, who signed a one-year deal with the Rays before the season, had been on the disabled list with a hip issue. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, there are “no new issues” with Rasmus, who appears to want to spend time with his family instead of rehabbing his injuries.
Rasmus has hit .281/.318/.579 with nine homers in 37 games for the Rays this season and was expected to be a key outfield contributor for the rest of the season, if healthy. Tampa Bay may look for outfield depth at the trade deadline, though the starting outfield of Mallex Smith, Kevin Kiermaier and Steven Souza Jr. with Corey Dickerson and Peter Bourjos as other options is a solid one.
Rasmus, 30, is a veteran of nine major-league seasons with four clubs.