Former Texas Rangers’ closer Shawn Tolleson announces retirement

Former Texas Rangers’ closer, Shawn Tolleson, retired from Major League Baseball on Wednesday. A recent setback from injury prompted the decision.

Having been sidelined for two full seasons, reliever Shawn Tolleson announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Wednesday. He underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2017, but a recent setback in his recovery led him to the decision.

Tolleson saved 35 games for the Texas Rangers in 2015. He was vital to the team’s AL West division title that season, and his production earned him the Rangers’ Pitcher of the Year award. Unfortunately, he lost his way the following year and refused Texas’ outright assignment to the minor leagues.

The Tampa Bay Rays signed him for the 2017 season; however, Tommy John kept him Tolleson from throwing a single pitch in a Rays’ uniform. He was under contract with the Rangers last season on a minor league deal and was determined to make it to spring training this year.

Only a few weeks away from spring training, one of Tolleson’s workouts was disrupted by an all too familiar feeling in his right elbow. His progress was stunted, and that’s when the decision was made that playing major league baseball was no longer an option.

Shawn Tolleson will turn 31 years old tomorrow. While his MLB career ended earlier than he intended, he will surely be remembered fondly by Texas Rangers fans.