Scott Oberg announces retirement from pitching, next chapter with Rockies

Scott Oberg was one of the best relievers in Major League Baseball when he last pitched for the Colorado Rockies in 2019; on Tuesday, he’s officially ending any hopes of returning the mound.

The right-hander’s 2019 season ended on the shelf, due to blood clots. And Oberg had remained on the Injured List because of his health despite surgery and time. Oberg has gone under the knife four times in hopes of fixing his blood clots, but nothing has mended the issue.

When at the top of his game, the bullpen arm was huge for the Rockies during the club’s postseason runs in 2017 and 2018. Oberg has spent his entire career with the Rockies, pitching to a 3.85 ERA over 257.1 innings. After a bumpy start to his MLB career, Oberg turned into a strikeout an inning guy, a mark in line with the better relievers in the game.

It earned Oberg a three-year, $13 million deal going into the 2020 season. He’s never pitched since inking that deal.

Oberg wrote on his Instagram Tuesday:

“I have accepted a part-time position with the Rockies and will no longer be pursuing the game

I’ve loved my whole life, as a player. I cannot thank those closest to me enough; from my family, friends, teammates and especially having the unwavering support of my wife. I could not have been able to accomplish anything without any of you. Love you all

Unfortunately the numerous blood clots I suffered over the course of my career has made playing untenable. But I also cannot thank the numerous training, medical, and surgeons I have encountered over the years enough. Everyone played a vital role in helping me at every turn and I am forever in your debt

And for all my coaches from T-Ball to College, from Tewksbury to Storrs to everywhere in-between and throughout pro-ball, thank you for teaching me the right way to play the game and helping make the most out of my ability. I’m also indebted to my mental performance coach, Danielle. You literally changed my life and I cannot thank you enough

Hope everyone enjoys some of my favorite moments I’ve had at the highest level and thank you to the fans for always showing your support through the highs and lows.”

Oberg had helped in an unofficial role with the Rockies front office, doing scouting and player analysis work. So one could expect his part-time position to be something along those lines.

Oberg suffered from blood clots going back to his college days but overcame them for quite the solid big league career before injuries cut it short.
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