Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Tuesday.
Zimmermann, who will turn 35 on May 23, initially planned to retire from the sport at the end of April. The Auburndale, Wis. native, however, elected to give it another go with his home-state team.
“I have had the joy of playing the game that I love for the past 15 years,” Zimmermann said in a statement released by the Brewers. “I will forever be thankful to the Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers for allowing me to live out this dream. It has been particularly special to be able to end it all playing for my hometown team, the Milwaukee Brewers.
“Thank you to all of my friends, teammates and family members who have been by my side throughout this incredible journey. I will miss the game greatly, but I’m ready for the new phase of my life.”
Zimmermann signed a minor league deal with the Brewers in February. He registered a 7.94 ERA in 5 2/3 innings during two stints in mop-up duty this season.
“On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to congratulate Jordan on a long and distinguished career,” Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns said. “We are thrilled that Jordan was ultimately able to wear the uniform of his hometown team, and we wish he and his family all the best in retirement.”
Zimmermann was an All-Star with the Nationals in 2013 and 2014 when he went a combined 33-14 over the two seasons. He tied for the National League lead in victories with 19 in 2013.
Zimmermann departed as a free agent following the 2015 season and signed a five-year, $110 million deal with the Tigers but was unable to continue his success. He bottomed out by going 1-13 with a 6.91 ERA in 2019 and pitched just 5 2/3 innings last season.
Zimmermann owns a 95-91 record with a 4.07 ERA in 279 career appearances (275 starts) over 13 big league seasons with the Nationals, Tigers and Brewers.
–Field Level Media
