Kerry Wood to Retire Today

From the Chicago Tribune:

Kerry Wood reportedly will announce his retirement from baseball Friday afternoon, but still plans to be available in the Chicago Cubs bullpen for the start of the City Series.

Wood broke into the majors in 1998 with the Cubs at the age of 21. Over 14 years in the majors, mostly on the North Side, he compiled a 86-75 record.

ESPNChicago reports that Wood, who has an 8.64 ERA this season and has been battling health issues, will call it quits on the day the City Series starts at Wrigley.

The Cubs had no comment on the report. A source said Wood is available to pitch today and will be in the bullpen. Whether or not manager Dale Sveum will actually use Wood in the game is unknown, but it would be a fitting way for Wood to end his career on the mound at Wrigley Field while receiving a standing ovation...

Wood's last outing was Wednesday against St. Louis. He walked two and blew a one-run lead in the seventh.

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