The Texas Rangers will not exercise a...

The Texas Rangers will not exercise a 1990 contract option with pitcher Charlie Hough, the only major league player to reach double figures in victories in each of the past eight seasons.

However, the Rangers said they will attempt to retain Hough’s services for next season by amending the contract. Hough, 41, would have earned in excess of $1 million in 1990 had the team exercised the option.

“The Texas Rangers want Charlie Hough to return to the ballclub in 1990,” Ranger General Manager Tom Grieve said. “However, we are not going to exercise the option for 1990 because it does not include any type of lockout language in the event of a work stoppage. We will make every attempt to negotiate an amended contract with Charlie.”

The current contract between owners and players expires on December 31.

The Rangers had until Oct. 5 to notify Hough on whether they would pick up his option. Hough signed a contract extension for 1989 with the option for 1990 in January, 1988.

Hough was 10-13 with a 4.35 earned-run average this season.