Chad Kuhl declining contract offers due to family health situation

Veteran starter Chad Kuhl has been a free agent since he was released by the Nationals on June 26. It seems he’ll remain on the open market for the remainder of the season.

Kuhl took to Instagram this afternoon to explain he has declined contract offers since his release so he can remain with his wife Amanda while she continues a battle with breast cancer. After thanking the Nationals and their fans, the right-hander wrote:

“While I’ve received offers to continue to play this season, I have made the choice for my family to stay in (the) D.C. area for the time being and have Amanda continue to get the best care possible. I’ve decided to be with her through the course of chemo and radiation.

This is just a pause for me and my family. My desire to play and love for the game has never been stronger and I’m looking forward to the next time I step on a major league mound whenever that may be.”

Kuhl made 16 appearances for Washington this season, posting an 8.45 ERA over 38 1/3 innings. He’s pitched in seven of the past eight big league campaigns and owns a career 4.98 ERA through 816 frames. He’ll turn 31 in September and figures to find renewed minor league interest once he’s in a position to continue his playing career.

Amanda Kuhl announced that her last round of chemotherapy is scheduled for the second week of September.