Chris Carpenter will retire, according to agent

Carpenter did not pitch in 2013 due to shoulder and neck injuries. He missed most of 2012 after undergoing neurogenic thoracic outlet surgery, but rejoined the team during its playoff run last season. Carpenter attempted to rehab and return to St. Louis this year, but struggled during his minor-league rehab.

LaMonte discussed Carpenter’s career with Cafardo, telling the reporter:

“Chris basically came back from five career-ending surgeries. I don’t think you’ll ever see anyone do that again. He had a sixth one and it was too many. He had a great career, a great human being.”

Carpenter could stay on with the Cardinals organization if he wishes to remain in baseball. General manager John Mozeliak talked with Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about Carpenter potentially working in the front office, stating:

“If he wants to do something with the St. Louis Cardinals, we would certainly welcome that. When the time comes to discuss that my door will be open. I look forward to that conversation. He is someone who is so competitive and so passionate about this game that I don’t know if working in the front office is going to appease that. But we’ll see. Great guy. Wonderful teammate. So, we’ll see.”

The pitcher has yet to speak publicly about his retirement plans, and is currently scheduled for free agency at the end of the year.

• Cardinals inch by Dodgers for 2-0 series lead | More NLCS coverage

• Tigers come within 2 outs of no-hitting Red Sox | More ALCS coverage

• Rob Neyer: Anibal Sanchez and the Saturday Night Miracle

• Brisbee: The defective stuff of the A’s and Braves

• Meet Sir Bam Bam, who may be the future of big league managing