Former All-Star Carlos Quentin retires in minors with Mariners

SEATTLE -- Carlos Quentin retired Friday after chronic knee injuries cut short his All-Star career.

In a news release, the Seattle Mariners announced Quentin has decided to hang up his spikes. The outfielder and designated hitter was playing at Triple-A Tacoma after signing a minor league contract with the Mariners on April 22.

"Over the past several days, it became clear to me that my injuries have taken too great of a physical toll for me to be able to perform at the level I expect from myself," Quentin said in the statement. "As a result, I believe it is the right time for me to walk away and to refocus my energy on the next chapter of my life with my family."

Quentin, 32, was released by the Atlanta Braves last month after they acquired him from San Diego in the six-player trade that sent star closer Craig Kimbrel to the Padres.

A two-time All-Star, Quentin also played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox. He batted .252 with 154 home runs and 491 RBIs in nine major league seasons, finishing fifth in American League MVP voting in 2008.

Quentin never played more than 86 games in any of the past three seasons with San Diego. He was limited to a career-low 50 games last year by a left knee injury.

"The game of baseball has allowed me to fulfill many personal and professional goals. I want to thank the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres and most recently the Seattle Mariners for the opportunity to play the game of baseball professionally," he said.

"I also want to thank Mark Marquess and Stanford University for allowing me the opportunity to earn my degree while providing the platform to achieve my dreams in professional baseball. And of course I am grateful for all the support from my family and friends throughout my career without whom I could not have realized the success I did."