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

Adam Wells @adamwells1985Featured ColumnistJuly 13, 2017

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 2: Colby Rasmus #28 of the Tampa Bay Rays is pictured in the dugout before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 2, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the game 12-4. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

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:

Tampa Bay Rays @RaysBaseball
The #Rays have placed OF Colby Rasmus on the restricted list. https://t.co/Z28sYZ5SfI

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

Link to Media

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.

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