THE SIDELINES : Krukow Cites Shoulder, Retires

SAN FRANCISCO — Pitcher Mike Krukow, the San Francisco Giants’ only 20-game winner in the last 17 years, announced his retirement today because of continuing shoulder problems.

Krukow, 38, became a free agent last October after a torn rotator cuff injury that ended his season in June. He was 4-3 with a 3.98 ERA during his shortened 1989 season and finished his career with a 124-117 record and a 3.90 ERA in 369 major-league games with the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Giants.

After going 20-9 in 1986 to become the Giants’ first 20-game winner since Ron Bryant in 1973, Krukow was limited by recurring right shoulder problems and went only a combined 16-13 in his final three seasons.

“I tried to get my shoulder back into shape this winter, but I just don’t think it was meant to be,” Krukow said from his Pasadena home. “I have no problem with this decision.”