SEATTLE — Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu says Ken Griffey Jr. is retiring.

Wakamatsu made the announcement before tonight's game against Minnesota. Griffey's retirement is effective immediately.

The 40-year-old Griffey was one of baseball's greatest players before injuries began to take their toll. The perennial All-Star outfielder ranks fifth on the career home run list with 630.

Griffey was hitting only .184 this season and recently went a week without playing.