SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Outfielder Raul Mondesi says a knee injury that hurt his performance last season has healed and that he'd like to play again in the major leagues.
"Several people have contacted my agent to find out if I'm still in baseball, and the answer is yes. Now that my knee is fine, I'd like to keep playing baseball," Mondesi told the Associated Press on Saturday.
Mondesi was released by the Atlanta Braves in May after hitting only .211 and struggling physically, raising doubts about whether the Dominican would play professionally again in the United States.
The 34-year-old blamed his poor play on a sore right knee caused by a torn right quadriceps muscle he sustained during the 2004 season. Mondesi said the injury sapped his power and speed. He had four homers, 17 RBI and no steals last season.
Mondesi is running for mayor in his hometown of San Cristobal, in the southern Dominican Republic, but said he has been training hard and plans to play for the Escogido Lions in the Dominican Winter League next month.
"I've done my work and I'm in shape," said Mondesi, who declined to say if any major-league teams have contacted him.
