Zambrano has retired from baseball, MLB.com reports. Zambrano was pitching in winter ball last year and had made overtures he could return, but it looks like he's decided to end any comeback. He retires with a 3.66 ERA and 132-91 record.

Former major league pitcher Carlos Zambrano apologized for instigating a brawl during Venezuela's Winter League championship series. Big Z didn't pitch in the game but found himself in the middle of the scrum, throwing a series of haymakers that didn't find a home. He told El Nacional newspaper that he was sorry for the "very embarrassing incident." Cubs fans might recall Zambrano's temper from a 2011 incident in which he was suspended 30 games for screaming at teammate Derrek Lee.

Mark Townsend of Yahoo! Sports reports that Carlos Zambrano "was at the center of a bench-clearing brawl" during Game 3 of the Venezuelan Winter League championship series on Saturday. Big Z didn't pitch in the game but was in the middle of the scuffle, throwing some haymakers that thankfully didn't really connect with anyone. It's clear that Zambrano hasn't done much to curb his anger issues, but it's his 4.93 ERA and 25/23 K/BB ratio over 42 Winter League frames that will likely hurt his chances more at netting a minor league deal from someone.

Carlos Zambrano is pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League in hopes of making a comeback in MLB. Zambrano attempted a comeback this season in the Phillies' minor league system, but suffered a lat strain and was given his release in July. The 32-year-old had a 4.49 ERA in 20 starts and 15 relief appearances with the Marlins in 2012. It's unclear if any team will deem him worth the hassle, but he'll almost certainly have to accept a minor league deal.

Carlos Zambrano is healthy and wants to pitch next year, according to his agent. Zambrano will pitch in Venezuelan winter ball in hopes of landing a contract offer. He faces long odds. Temperamental out-of-shape pitchers in their 30s coming off a year in which they didn't pitch in the majors don't generally fare the best on the open market, especially if that specific pitcher posted a 4.66 ERA over the two preceding years and were released by a pitching-needy team (the Phillies axed "Z" from the Triple-A Lehigh Valley roster in July).

Phillies released RHP Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano latched on with the Phillies in mid-May and made a bunch of starts in the minors before coming down a Grade 1 lat strain. The veteran right-hander is now free to sign elsewhere, but he's a long shot to pitch in the majors this season.

Carlos Zambrano has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 lat strain. He'll be shut down for the next four weeks. Zambrano might have opted out of his minor league deal if he was healthy, but that obviously won't happen now. He won't be an option for the Phillies until sometime in August.

Carlos Zambrano has been placed on the disabled list at Triple-A Lehigh Valley with right shoulder tightness. Zambrano felt the tightness Friday. He will presumably visit a shoulder specialist at some point next week.

Carlos Zambrano left Friday's start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley with an apparent arm injury. Zambrano allowed four runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk before exiting. The Phillies have been considering whether to call-up Big Z prior to his July 1 opt-out date, but an injury would obviously change things.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro indicated Monday that Carlos Zambrano is unlikely to be promoted before July 1, when he can exercise the opt-out clause in his contract. "This last start wasn't as good as the one prior," Amaro said. "He's been inconsistent. We'll see." When asked if Zambrano can get major league hitters out, Amaro replied, "He can, at times. Right now, I don't know if he can do it consistently." Big Z holds a 2.89 ERA with 29 strikeouts over 33 1/3 innings covering six minor league starts, but it sounds like the Phillies have more faith in Jonathan Pettibone at the moment. Zambrano shouldn't have trouble catching on elsewhere if he opts out.