Kerry Wood Reportedly Set to Announce Retirement from MLB

UPDATE: Cubs reliever Kerry Wood entered the eighth inning today in a game the Cubs were losing 3-2 vs. the White Sox. In what was expected to be his final career outing, Wood struck out Dayan Viciedo on three pitches and was immediately taken out where he was greeted by his young son and a standing ovation by the Wrigley Crowd. 

In a surprise move, Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood is going to announce his retirement from Major League Baseball on Friday, according to Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago.

"

Breaking news Kerry Wood will retire today !

— Bruce Levine (@ESPNBruceLevine) May 18, 2012"

The 34-year-old Wood has appeared in nine games for the Cubs this season, posting an ERA of 8.64, a 2.28 WHIP, five strikeouts and 11 walks in 8.1 innings pitched. He spent almost three weeks on the disabled list with shoulder fatigue. 

Injuries have been the story of Wood's career. He made it to the big leagues with the Cubs in 1998 and caused quite a stir after striking out 20 in a game against Houston on May 6. He won the National League Rookie of the Year award after going 13-6 with 233 strikeouts in 166.2 innings. 

Wood was an integral part of the 2003 Cubs team that made it to Game 7 of the National League Championship Series. He went 14-11 with a 3.20 ERA and a career-high 266 strikeouts in 211 innings pitched. 

That would end up being the last healthy season of his career, as he battled arm and leg problems the next two seasons. Wood was moved to the bullpen in 2007 and found new life as a reliever. 

In his 13-year career, Wood compiled a career record of 86-75 with 63 saves and 1,581 strikeouts in 1,379.2 innings pitched. 

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