Fastball

Kevin Pillar, Who Was Staple of Toronto Blue Jays For Years, Retires at 36

Pillar was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers in late May.
Brady Farkas|
Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (left) greets Kevin Pillar (1) as he scores on a sacrifice fly against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Oracle Park on April 26.
Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (left) greets Kevin Pillar (1) as he scores on a sacrifice fly against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Oracle Park on April 26. | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

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Texas RangersToronto Blue Jays

July 2: After being designated for assignment in May, Pillar told "Foul Territory TV" that he is officially retiring. His career is over at the age of 36.

May 25: Former Toronto Blue Jays star Kevin Pillar could be looking at the end of his big-league career after he was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers on Sunday morning.

Per Rangers PR on social media:

Rangers transactions for Sunday:

-DH/1B Joc Pederson placed on 10-day IL (right hand fracture)
-OF Alejandro Osuna (#19) contract selected from Round Rock (AAA)
-OF Kevin Pillar designated for assignment

Pillar, 36, was signed this offseason to a minor league deal and made the roster out of spring training. However, it's been a struggle, as he's hitting just .209 in 43 at-bats. He has no home runs, one RBI and three stolen bases.

Though he's been well-traveled in the later portion of his career, Pillar was a staple for the Blue Jays from 2015-2018. One of the best outfielders in the league during his time in Toronto, he was part of two Blue Jays teams that went to the ALCS (2015-2016).

A 13-year veteran, he's played for the Jays, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Rangers. A lifetime .255 hitter, he has 114 home runs.

Presuming Pillar passes through waivers, he'll become a free agent, but it's unclear if he'll have any interest from other teams.

The Rangers are back in action on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Chicago White Sox in Chicago. First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. ET as Patrick Corbin (TEX) pitches against Davis Martin (CWS).

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Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady. 

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