Mondesi Will Sit Out Season

Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder Raul Mondesi, his pay withheld for most of the season because of a civil suit, will sit out the rest of the year, he said Monday.

“I won’t play another game this season,” Mondesi told Associated Press. “I can’t concentrate well enough to play baseball. I don’t want to become a distraction for the team. This is the best for the Pirates, for myself and my family.”

Mondesi, 33, said the decision was only for this year and he could return next season.

Signed as a free agent in February, Mondesi had a .283 batting average with two home runs and 14 runs batted in this season.

He said he needed a rest and wanted to spend more time with his four children.

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Pitcher Jimmy Haynes was put on waivers by the Cincinnati Reds, who would be responsible for the rest of his $2.5-million salary if he went unclaimed. The right-hander, who agreed to a $5-million, two-year deal in December 2002, is 0-3 with a 9.60 earned-run average.