Gerut retires after six seasons in big leagues

Outfielder Jody Gerut is retiring after six seasons in the majors.

Gerut, a Willowbrook High School product, played for five teams before being invited to the Seattle Mariners’ spring training as a non-roster player this year. He announced his retirement Sunday.

The 33-year-old Gerut appeared in 574 games in stints with Cleveland (2003-2005), the Cubs (2005), Pittsburgh (2005), San Diego (2008-2009) and Milwaukee (2009-2010). He finished with a career batting average of .262 and had 472 hits.

“Physically I’m fine,” Gerut said in a statement from the Mariners. “But mentally my reasons for wanting to be in uniform have become so thin and narrow that I refuse to disrespect the game that has provided so generously for my family by playing it in a halfhearted way.”

Indians pay tribute to Feller:

The Cleveland Indians honored late Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller before their spring training opener against Cincinnati on Sunday. Feller, who died in December at 92, spent his entire major-league career with the Indians.

Around the horn:

Philadelphia Phillies all-Star second baseman Chase Utley has patella tendinitis in his right knee and missed his second straight game Sunday. Utley had an MRI on Saturday. ... Colorado Rockies third baseman Ian Stewart sustained a slight sprain of his left knee when he collided with left fielder Carlos Gonzalez during Colorado’s 8-7 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday and will miss up to a week.