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FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- Rick Helling says he is retiring from Major League Baseball after 12 years, to spend more time with his family. He says the decision was an easy one.

"I've said all along that I would retire if I couldn't do it anymore or if I couldn't be away from my family anymore," Helling said Monday. "I couldn't handle being away from my family."

Known as a workhorse throughout his career, Helling battled injuries the last several years. He spent part of last year on the disabled list with a sprained right elbow, then saw his season wit the Milwaukee Brewers end with torn cartilage in his left knee.

SI (AP)