White Sox's Adam LaRoche steps away from baseball

Chicago White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche announced on Tuesday, March 15 that he is stepping away from baseball.

According to the Chicago Tribune, LaRoche is stepping away due to a personal issue. His teammates asked him to reconsider during a team meeting. He said that he will consider their request but he is confident in his decision to step away.

"I’m confident I am stepping away from baseball," LaRoche said. "My teammates have asked me for an hour (to reconsider). I’ve tried to convince them I am convinced, but I will do them that, and give it a day or two, and then come back in and finish the story. I didn’t come in yesterday because I wanted to make sure it was the right move and not make an emotional decision, but I’m confident it is.”

LaRoche joined the White Sox last year with a two-year, $25 million contract. He would have made $13 million this year. Last year he hit .207 with 12 homeruns and 44 RBIs, according to ESPN. He was 1-5 and had one homerun in two spring training games before being sidelined with back spasms. LaRoche has hit .260 and has 255 homeruns and 882 RBIs in his 12-year career.

LaRoche stepping away means that the White Sox don’t have a designated hitter. They could have Austin Jackson, Avisail Garcia or Melky Cabrerea as the DH.

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