Jon Moscot announced on Wednesday night that he was retiring from baseball. The former Major Leaguer has had a rough go of it, injury wise, since his rookie season with the Cincinnati Reds in 2015. His announcement was via instagram where he posted this statement:

After spending years in physical therapy post surgery and ultimately listening to my body, I’ve thought long and hard and have made the difficult decision to hang up my cleats for a final time and step away from playing the game of baseball. My emotions run deep on this, I’m sad I won’t be able to compete anymore and hate to think there are some people I may never get to see again, but the good that has come from this beautiful game far outweighs the sad. The people who I have met have changed me deeply and forever, my teammates, friends, coaches, mentors, fans and trainers all have become a part of who I am and I cannot thank or love them anymore than I do. The experiences I’ve gotten to live through and the fantastic people ive come across are a blessing I wish could be bestowed upon everyone who crosses the white lines and dreams big. To everyone on this journey, all my old teammates, workout buddies, my alma mater Pepperdine and to the Cincinnati Reds thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to reach my childhood dream and pitch in the Major Leagues. Most importantly to my parents, family and to Natalie thank you for the never ending support and belief in me, without it I would have been lost. With that said I’m excited for the next chapter of life and I’m genuinely excited to have a beer and some peanuts at a baseball game! Much Love

The Cincinnati Reds drafted Jon Moscot out of Pepperdine University in the 4th round of the 2012 draft. He worked his way up through the Minor Leagues over the next few seasons before reaching the Major Leagues in 2015 at age 23 with the Reds. He would make three starts for them, all in June. But that third start didn’t go as planned. While covering second base he dove to tag a base runner and injured his shoulder in the first inning of the game. That would require surgery that ended his 2015 campaign.

He recovered and was ready to begin the 2016 season. Moscot began the year in the minors on a rehab assignment, but was quickly back in Cincinnati – making three starts in April. He was back on the disabled list in May with inflammation in his non-throwing shoulder (the same one that was operated on). He would make a few rehab starts in Triple-A and return to Cincinnati for two starts. The Reds then optioned him back to Louisville where he finished out June. While he finished his final start on June 30th, it would be the last start he made of the year. He tore his UCL in his pitching elbow and required Tommy John surgery.

The recovery for Tommy John surgery has gotten a lot better over the last two decades. But it’s not a 100% recovery rate, either. And unfortunately Jon Moscot is proof of that. He has battled through rehab for the last two-and-a-half years and simply hasn’t been able to get to the point where he could pitch in a game.