ATLANTA — Struggling through another disappointing season, Braves third baseman Chipper Jones met with team officials Tuesday to discuss his future and said he’s considering retirement.
Jones declined to comment directly on whether he will retire at the end of the season, but it seemed clear that he’s made up his mind and merely needed to work out a settlement with the team over the $28 million in guaranteed money he’s owed for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
“It’s obvious that it’s something I’ve been thinking about,” Jones said. “I need to go through the proper channels.”
The 38-year-old Jones, who won the NL MVP award in 1999 and led the league in hitting just two years ago, is hitting only .228 with three homers and 22 RBIs heading into the opener of a three-game series against the Rays.
“As best as I can gather right now, he’s thinking about retiring after this year,” manager Bobby Cox said. “But I can’t give a definitive answer.”
D-backs, A’s make trade
PHOENIX — The Diamondbacks traded outfielder Conor Jackson to the Athletics for minor-league closer Sam Demel.
Demel is 2-0 with a 1.26 ERA and six saves in 28 appearances for Triple-A Sacramento.
Jackson, 28, was batting .238 with a home run and 11 RBIs in 42 games for Arizona.
Footnotes.
Phillies left-hander J.A. Happ (forearm) threw a bullpen session and is slated for a rehab start Friday, while shortstop Jimmy Rollins (calf) went 0-for-3 in his first rehab game for Single-A Clearwater.
• The Dodgers plan to put pitcher Chad Billingsley (groin) on the disabled list.
• Mariners pitcher Ian Snell, 0-5 with a 6.41 ERA, has been designated for assignment.
• Twins second baseman Orlando Hudson (wrist) remains day to day.
• The Athletics reinstated catcher Kurt Suzuki from the bereavement list and optioned outfielder Matt Carson to Triple-A Sacramento.
• The Cubs activated left- hander John Grabow (knee) and optioned right-hander Mitch Atkins to Triple-A Iowa. The Associated Press
