Royals’ Montgomery Calling It Quits

Closer Jeff Montgomery of the Kansas City Royals, one of 11 players to save 300 games in his career, will retire at the end of the season.

Montgomery, who earned his 300th save last month, has 12 saves this season and seven of the Royals’ 30 blown saves. He is 1-4 with a 6.34 earned-run average and hitters are batting .342 against him.

“The last few months of last year were real positive, but this year has not been the same,” he said. “The big thing is knowing that I’m not a fit anymore. I’m 37. When this team gets to a point where it is competitive, it needs someone that is definitely going to be there. Because of the years, it can’t be me.”

Montgomery battled a shoulder problem last year and a hip problem this year, limiting his effectiveness.

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Mark Portugal, recently removed from the Boston Red Sox’s starting rotation, was released with only nine games left and a playoff berth likely.

“We felt it was the best thing for the organization,” said Manager Jimy Williams, who refused to elaborate.

Portugal didn’t comment.

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After Jimy Williams complained to umpires last week that the Cleveland Indians were using a camera above the center-field wall at Jacobs Field to steal signs, the Indians had the camera covered.

Now, at the American League’s request, the Indians are removing a TV monitor from the “bat-swing area” behind their dugout.