Ryan Westmoreland Retires

http://t.co/AsainTWEpw

Ryan Westmoreland, a former top prospect with the Red Sox, announced his
retirement from professional baseball, Brian MacPherson of the Providence
Journal reports. The 22-year-old underwent brain surgery in 2010 and worked
to revive his pro career before suffering a setback and having a second
surgery.

"Although it is a very difficult decision for me, it has become clear that
the neurological damage caused by the most recent cavernous malformation and
surgery leaves me with physical challenges that make it impossible to play
the game at such a high level," Westmoreland told reporters.

The Red Sox selected Westmoreland in the fifth round of the 2008 draft,
signing him to a $2MM bonus. He posted a .296/.401/.484 batting line as a
19-year-old at Class A the following year, and Baseball America ranked him
21st among MLB prospects leading up to the 2010 campaign.