Grissom Announces His Retirement

Marquis Grissom announced his retirement Tuesday after a 17-year major league career.

The 38-year-old outfielder signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs in January and had hoped to make the team as a backup. But he batted only .200 in 17 spring training games.

Grissom leaves as one of seven players with 2,000 hits, 200 home runs and 400 stolen bases, joining Craig Biggio, Roberto Alomar, Barry Bonds, Rickey Henderson, Paul Molitor and Joe Morgan.

“It’s been a pretty fun ride along the way,” Grissom said.

Grissom played for the Dodgers in 2001 and 2002.

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Outfielder Ryan Church was optioned to triple-A New Orleans by the Washington Nationals, meaning either rookie Brandon Watson or Marlon Byrd will play center field. Also, Washington purchased the contracts of shortstop Royce Clayton and first baseman Daryle Ward from triple-A New Orleans.

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As expected, pitchers Mark Prior and Kerry Wood were put on the 15-day disabled list by the Chicago Cubs.... Arizona sent left-hander Randy Choate to its minor league camp, meaning veteran Terry Mulholland, 43, will make the opening-day roster.... Seattle center fielder Jeremy Reed has a sprained right wrist and not a broken wrist, as the team originally thought.