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Baseball notebook: Gonzo retires after 18 years

Luis Gonzalez, right, will take on a front-office role for Arizona, the team he led to a World Series title in 2001. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press
Luis Gonzalez, right, will take on a front-office role for Arizona, the team he led to a World Series title in 2001. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

A tearful Luis Gonzalez announced his retirement as a player in Phoenix and joined the Arizona Diamondbacks as a special assistant in the front office.

“Obviously, when you’re a professional athlete, it’s tough to close a book on something that you love to do,” Gonzalez, who turns 42 on Thursday, said at a news conference before the Diamondbacks played Houston. “But at the same time, it’s a new beginning for myself, for my family.”

In his new role, Gonzalez will assist Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall and other departments throughout the organization.

The most popular player in the franchise’s 12-year history, “Gonzo” will always be remembered for hitting the winning bloop single off New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series – still Arizona’s only major sports championship.

Wakefield to miss next start

Tim Wakefield’s balky back is acting up again, forcing the Boston Red Sox to scratch him from his next scheduled start.

The 43-year-old knuckleballer, who spent 51/2 weeks on the disabled list due to back problems after the All-Star break, pitched seven innings Wednesday, allowing one run and six hits in Boston’s 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.

“He was initially a little bit tender after his start, which I think we all thought he would be,” Boston manager Terry Francona said.

The Red Sox said Jon Lester will instead pitch in Wakefield’s place Tuesday at Tampa Bay.

Boone completes rehab, rejoins Astros

Five months after open-heart surgery, third baseman Aaron Boone rejoined the Houston Astros.

Boone completed a minor league rehab assignment and will be activated when major league rosters expand on Sept. 1.

“Everything’s gone well,” Boone said before the Astros met the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. “To see yourself improve every day, every week, every month, has been satisfying.”

The 36-year-old Boone signed with the Astros in the offseason, then had an operation in late March because of a congenital defect in his aortic valve.