When this season comes to an end, Brad Ausmus will call it a career, according to Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles. After playing last night for the first time since April 8th, Ausmus addressed a reporter's post-game inquiry about his future by replying: "This year is it."
After signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers this winter, Ausmus started just one game before being placed on the disabled list with back pain. When Ausmus' back issues required surgery, many assumed he would simply retire, but the 41-year-old backstop has fought his way back and intends to finish out the season.
Ausmus' contract, which pays him $850K this year, includes a $1MM mutual option ($150K buyout) for next season which won't be exercised now that he plans to retire. The veteran catcher, who has spent time with the Padres, Tigers, Astros, and Dodgers since breaking into the league in 1993, has earned over $36MM in his career, according to Baseball-Reference.
