Dempster chats at victory parade00:00:55
11/2/13: Ryan Dempster talks to the fans at Fenway about Jonny Gomes' prophecy when he spoke to him for the first time this year
Right-hander Ryan Dempster will not pitch for the Red Sox this season.
Dempster, who was scheduled to make $13.25 million in 2014 in the second season of a two-year deal he signed before last season, likely will be placed on the restricted list.
"I'm extremely grateful, " Dempster said at a news conference on Sunday. "It took me a long time to come to this decision. I wanted to be 100 percent behind it and I am."
He would not receive his salary if he's place on the restricted list.
"I don't feel like I am capable of performing to the ability and standard that I am accustomed to," Dempster told FOXSports.com. "I feel it's in the best interest of both the club but most importantly myself to step away from playing baseball at this time. The time is right.
"I'm not saying retirement but I definitely won't be playing this season."
Dempster, who turns 37 in May, was 8-9 with a 4.57 ERA in 32 games (29 starts) last season.
A two-time All-Star, Dempster has posted a 4.35 career ERA in 579 games (351 starts) over 16 years for the Marlins, Reds, Cubs, Rangers and Red Sox