Haren's future beyond 2013 to be determined

ST.LOUIS -- Right-hander Dan Haren will make one more start for the Nationals before having to decide what his future will be in baseball. Haren is 9-14 with a 4.87 ERA in 29 starts. Once he files for free agency after the World Series, it's doubtful he will return the Nationals.

Haren, 33, has thought about retirement, but he plans to play next season. He also realizes that he may have a tough time finding a job right away because of the season he has had in Washington. He would like to play on the West Coast to be close to his family.

"The most obvious thing is, the way I've pitched this year, it's not going to be as easy to get a job to say where I want to go," Haren said. "I'm going to take a month or two [after the season], just kind of take a deep breath and get back into it.

"Retirement has crossed my mind a few times this year, but with the way the year has gone -- and the ups and downs -- I feel I have something left that could help a team win. I want to give it at least another year and go from there."

Haren's representatives can mention this fact to potential employees: After coming of the disabled list on July 8, Haren has a 3.57 ERA with opponents hitting just .234 against him.

"I'm throwing the ball much better since coming off the DL," Haren said. "I made it pretty much known that when I went on the DL, it was more of just a break -- physical a little bit, but more mental, just getting myself two weeks to step back.

"I had those two bad games a few weeks ago, but I think I pitched much more consistently. I kept the team in it almost every time. That's how I've gone about it my whole career, whether I'm feeling good or bad. I would be able to keep the team in the game and give us a good chance to win. I've done that for the majority of the last three months."