Colby Rasmus to 'Step Away' from MLB, Placed on Restricted List by Rays

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Colby Rasmus is taking a leave of absence from Major League Baseball.

The Rays announced Thursday that they've placed Rasmus on the restricted list and released a statement in support of his decision:

Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Rasmus is not expected to return during the 2017 season.

After spending the past two seasons with the Houston Astros, Rasmus signed a one-year deal with the Rays in January.

A nine-year veteran, Rasmus was hitting .281/.318/.579 with nine home runs in 37 games. He missed the first month of the season while recovering from hip surgery and made his debut May 2. He was placed on the disabled list for a second time June 23 with tendinitis in his hip.

In addition to the Astros and Rays, Rasmus has played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays in his career.