SEATTLE (AP) — Left-hander Dontrelle Willis has decided to retire following a rocky stretch with Baltimore’s top farm club.
Willis was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2003 with the Marlins and quickly became one of baseball’s most popular players. But the big left-hander has struggled since he won 22 games seven years ago.
Willis agreed to a minor league deal with the Orioles this spring. He made just four appearances for Triple-A Norfolk, going 0-3 with an 8.53 ERA.
Baltimore also announced a roster move before Monday’s series opener in Seattle. The Orioles recalled right-hander Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk.
Johnson was 3-5 with a 2.73 ERA in 14 games, nine starts, for Norfolk. His father, Dave, pitched for the Orioles from 1989-91.
