VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Dante Bichette, a four-time All-Star, has decided to retire after 14 years in the major leagues.

	Bichette

Bichette struggled at the plate this spring as he tried to make the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting just .190 with two home runs and four RBI in 16 games. Bichette told Dodgers general manager Dan Evans of his decision Friday.

Bichette, 38, signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers on Jan. 30.

"I would be hurting this team if I were to stick around when my heart really wasn't in it," Bichette said.

Dodgers general manager Dan Evans said he wasn't "totally surprised."

"After our conversation Wednesday, I sensed something was keeping him from being 100 percent focused. But he's doing it for all the right reasons."

Bichette wanted to play everyday but it appeared he would be used mainly as a pinch-hitter. The Dodgers are now left scrambling with right-handers Mike Kinkade, Hiram Bocachica and Phil Hiatt as a possible replacement.

"Dante's intention was to get 400-500 at bats and we were not going to be able to afford him that," manager Jim Tracy said. "He was not interested in sacrificing family time for a reserve role. I understand. When you're given those kind of reasons you have to understand."

Bichette was first drafted by the Angels in the 17th round of the 1984 draft. He made his big league debut with the Angels four years later then went on to play for Milwaukee, Colorado, Cincinnati and Boston.

A career .299 hitter, Bichette hit 274 homers and drove in 1,141 runs.