Texas Rangers Lance Berkman may need to retire due to injury

May 25, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Lance Berkman (27) throws during batting practice before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

While Lance Berkman isn’t the player he was during his tenure with the Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals, he’s still a respectable hitter. The 37-year-old former first baseman has hit 6 home runs and knocked in 34 runs through 244 at-bat’s this season, despite hitting a sub-par .254.

Many of his struggles can be attributed to his knee injury which has haunted him and now could be the deathblow to his career.

According to Berkman, the knee injury has been so bad he’s contemplated retirement.

Per the Dallas Morning News:

"Berkman acknowledged Wednesday that he has considered the possibility of either retiring or walking away from the remainder of the season if he doesn’t soon see progress. Berkman is on the disabled list with hip inflammation, but his longer-term issue has been an inability to fully extend his surgically-repaired knee.Berkman was eligible to come off the DL on Monday, but only started running Wednesday. If the knee shows any progress, he will likely have to do a rehab assignment.“I’ve definitely thought about it,” Berkman said of shutting down for the remainder of the season. “But I haven’t reached any final decisions on it. Hopefully I’ll do the best that I can and help the team. It could also depend on what the team’s needs are. This is an uncertain time of the year for everybody.”"

Home/MLB