The legendary former pitcher of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Fernando Valenzuela, has temporarily resigned from his position as a Spanish-language radio announcer to “concentrate on his health,” as announced by the team on Thursday.

“Fernando Valenzuela will be taking time off from the Dodger broadcast booth for the remainder of this year to focus on his well-being,” the Dodgers communicated in a statement shared on their social platforms. “He and his family are deeply grateful for the affection and support from fans as he aims for a comeback in the 2025 season, and they have requested privacy during this period.”

Valenzuela had not been heard from in Dodger broadcasts for several weeks, although the cause was not disclosed until recently. On Monday, renowned Mexican sports journalist David Faitelson reported that Valenzuela had been hospitalized.

Since 2003, he has been a part of the team’s broadcasting team.

At 63 years old, Valenzuela was born in Navojoa, Mexico and quickly became a beloved figure for Dodgers fans, particularly among the city’s large Hispanic community. In 1981, he ignited a phenomenon known as “Fernandomania,” winning both the National League Rookie of the Year and the NL Cy Young Award. He dedicated 11 of his 17 MLB seasons to the Dodgers.

In August 2023, the Dodgers celebrated Valenzuela with a special ceremony during a series against the Colorado Rockies, retiring his No. 34 jersey. Although it had not been officially retired prior, no other player had worn it since he left the Dodgers in 1991. The franchise broke its usual rule, which mandates that players must be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame to have their jersey retired.

Valenzuela was a six-time All-Star, member of the World Series-winning 1981 Dodgers team, and won a Gold Glove Award, in addition to his Cy Young and Rookie of the Year honors. Over his career, he achieved a 173-153 win-loss record, with 31 shutouts, 2,074 strikeouts, and a 3.54 earned run average.

The Dodgers are set to begin their National League Division Series on Saturday against the San Diego Padres.