Report: Nationals' Haren unlikely to return to club, has considered retirement

After stumbling through a disappointing season, impending free agent hurler Dan Haren is unlikely to return to the Nationals in 2014, and has even entertained the possibility of retirement, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson.

"The most obvious thing is, the way I've pitched this year, it's not going to be as easy to get a job to say where I want to go," Haren said. "I'm going to take a month or two [after the season], just kind of take a deep breath and get back into it."

"Retirement has crossed my mind a few times this year, but with the way the year has gone -- and the ups and downs -- I feel I have something left that could help a team win. I want to give it at least another year and go from there," he added."

The 33-year-old owns a 4.87 ERA this season, his highest since his rookie year, along with a 1.26 WHIP over 162.2 innings.  An increased vulnerability to the home run plagued Haren this season, as he surrendered 28 long balls in 30 appearances (29 starts), averaging 1.5 per nine innings.

The right-hander also spent time on the disabled list in late June with shoulder inflammation.  Since returning from injury, Haren has been more effective, posting a 3.57 ERA with a 4.65 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 80.2 innings.

"I'm throwing the ball much better since coming off the DL," Haren said. "I made it pretty much known that when I went on the DL, it was more of just a break -- physical a little bit, but more mental, just getting myself two weeks to step back.