Braves' Dickey hints at retirement after possible last home start
In what could be the last home start of his career, Atlanta Braves veteran starter R.A. Dickey pitched eight strong innings Thursday against the division-leading Washington Nationals, pacing his team to victory.
After the game, the soon-to-be 43-year-old touched on his future, and while he didn't come out and say he's retiring, an emotional Dickey admitted it's weighed on his mind.
"I'd be lying to say I didn’t have some emotions about it. This could be my last start ever at a home venue. But we're going to make that decision at the end of the season and see how I feel and what goes on there," Dickey said, according to Hardball Talk's Craig Calcaterra.
"If I did not continue to play, it would be because our family decided it wasn’t the best thing. I’ve dragged my kids all over the world playing baseball for 21 years. You know, there comes a time they deserve their dad to be around."
Dickey has an $8-million team option for next year. If he decides to return for a 16th season, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Braves exercise it.
Despite his age, the knuckleballer has pitched well for the rebuilding squad in 2017. From mid-June to late August, the right-hander was by far the club's best starter, with a 2.58 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 13 starts.
On the year, he has a 4.32 ERA with 132 strikeouts, 1.39 WHIP, and 1.5 WAR in 30 starts.