Infielder Juan Castro has announced his retirement, according to a Los Angeles Dodgers press release. Castro has been named to the position of Special Assistant, Baseball Operations and Player Development for the Dodgers where he will evaluate players at both the Minor and Major League levels.

“Juan was a consummate pro as a player,” said GM Ned Colletti. “The opportunity to add him to our staff as someone who can both recognize and teach those traits is a true plus for this organization.”

17-year veteran hit .229 in 1,103 career games that started with the Dodgers on September 2, 1995.

“It was time for me to make the decision to end my playing career,” said Castro. “I’m honored that Ned thought of bringing me back to the organization where I first signed as a young kid more than 20 years ago. I’m very excited to once again work for the Dodgers in a new and challenging role.”

Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.