"It's bittersweet because sports have been my forever," Starling wrote on Facebook. "My every day. My everything my whole life. ... I can't wait for this next chapter of my life!" The 29-year-old Starling was selected No. 5 overall by the Royals back in 2011, but he never lived up to expectations. He batted .204/.246/.298 with five home runs over 261 plate appearances in the majors. He played with Triple-A Omaha this past season. 

The former first round pick was non-tendered last week, but he'll return to the organization that made him the fifth overall pick in the 2011 draft. The 28-year-old has seen just 59 at-bats at the big league level, slashing a putrid .204/.246/.298 with five homers, 17 RBI and an 83/13 K/BB ratio.

Expectations were high ever since Starling was nabbed with the No. 5 overall pick back in 2011, but he just never progressed as hoped. He'll surely have to settle for a minor league deal wherever he winds up.

Starling was removed from Tuesday's game with the ailment. He finishes his season in a 0-for-23 rut at the plate.