Rangers' reliever headed toward retirement

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Rangers reliever Eddie Guardado is ready to take on a new moniker after 17 seasons in the major leagues.

The left-hander known as "Everyday Eddie" said Friday that he is probably going to retire after this season so that he can become an "everyday daddy" to his three children, who range between 4 and 12 years old.

"I had a great ride. I've achieved more than I ever thought in my life in this game," Guardado said before the Rangers opened their final homestand against Tampa Bay. "I think it's time to go home and be a daddy. The kids are getting bigger and I'm missing a lot of things. ... And my body's telling me, I think, a little bit too."

Guardado, who turns 39 next Friday, made his 906th appearance Monday, tying Cy Young for 21st on the career list. He is one of only five left-handers to appear in 900 games.

Since coming back Sept. 1 from a two-week stay on the disabled list because of left knee inflammation, he has pitched in four games. He went into Friday night's game with a 4.46 ERA in 46 games, though he had allowed six earned runs in 18 1-3 innings his last 22 appearances.

"He's from the old school. He brings people up, he doesn't break them down," manager Ron Washington said. "That's because of what he was taught, and he's never forgotten what he was taught. ... Never selfish, team-oriented, wants to win, never make excuses. That's the type of guy you want to go to war with. That's why he's been around as long as he has."

His 187 saves is 12th among active players, and the only active left-hander with more is Billy Wagner (385).