Tampa Bay Rays' slugger Manny Ramirez has informed Major League Baseball that he will retire, according to an announcement that brings up a whole lot of questions. The statement, via ESPN.com:

"Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," the statement said. "Rather than continue with the process under the Program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player. If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the Drug Program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter."

Ramirez retires after just 17 at-bats and one single with the Rays. He will finish with 555 home runs, good enough for 14th on the all-time list. He played for Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and the Rays in his 19-year career.

The Rays released a statement about the retirement. From MLB Trade Rumors:

We are obviously surprised and disappointed by this news. We will have no further comment on this matter.

It wouldn't be Manny being Manny if you had expected it.