Astros’ Pichardo reveals retirement

Philadelphia Houston right-hander Hipolito Pichardo was placed on the restricted list Thursday and has begun the process of retiring from baseball for the second time.

Pichardo, who got the decision in a 7-4 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday in his only appearance this year, began the season on the disabled list with tendinitis.

The problem dates back to 1998 when his season was cut short after 18 starts with Kansas City because of a sprained ligament and strained muscle in the elbow. He missed all of 1999 after having surgery to repair the problem.

After appearing in 68 games in 2000 and 2001 with Boston, Pichardo reinjured the elbow and announced his first retirement on Aug. 19, 2001 after a loss against Baltimore. He signed with Houston as a free agent during the offseason.

With the roster spot open, the Astros recalled outfielder Jason Lane from Triple-A New Orleans where he was hitting .303 with three homers and 21 RBIs.

Franco’s career could be finished

New York John Franco faces a dilemma: reconstructive surgery at age 41 or retirement. The New York Mets reliever will miss at least the rest of the season with an injury to his left elbow that could end his 18-year career.

Franco is the longest-tenured Mets player, joining the team before the 1990 season, and their emotional leader. He has the second most saves in baseball history with 422 56 behind Lee Smith’s record.

“If anybody is capable of returning from this at this point in his career it is him,” catcher Mike Piazza said.

Franco, who has not pitched since surgery on the elbow in December, had an MRI exam Wednesday that revealed the injury.