ANAHEIM, Calif. — It didn’t take long for former Royals catcher Jason Kendall to abort his attempted comeback at Class AA Northwest Arkansas. A slight twinge in his surgically repaired right shoulder made for an easy decision.

“I didn’t blow it out,” he said, “but I knew the next time, my shoulder would be done. I wouldn’t be able to pick up my kids or have a normal life.”

Kendall, 38, announced his retirement Tuesday prior to the Naturals’ game against Tulsa. He played just two games, getting one hit in three at-bats, after agreeing last Thursday to a minor-league contract.

“I owed it to myself to try it,” he said. “I didn’t want to get 10 years down the road and wonder what would have happened. I did things the way I wanted my whole career, and I had to try this.”

The comeback came nearly two years after a major shoulder injury forced Kendall to the disabled list. Multiple surgeries followed, which delayed his efforts to resume his career.

“I worked my butt off to get to this point,” he said, “and I appreciate the Royals for letting me do this.”

Kendall was a three-time All-Star in a 15-year career with the Pirates, A’s, Cubs, Brewers and Royals. He batted .288 with a .366 on-base percentage in 2,085 career games. His 2,025 career games as a catcher rank fifth in history.

“Someone asked me what the highlight of my career was,” Kendall said. “Every day. I had the greatest gig I know. I had fun, and I don’t have a single regret.”

The Royals signed Kendall, a free agent, after the 2009 season to a two-year deal for $6 million in hopes that his experience and leadership could bolster a young club and, in particular, a young pitching staff.

“Jason Kendall was old school,” Royals designated hitter Billy Butler wrote on Twitter, “and played the game right (and) all while being a great dad. It was an honor to be your teammate. Great career.”

Kendall batted .256 with a .318 on-base percentage in 118 games in 2010 for the Royals before the injury forced him to the disabled list. A setback after the initial surgery forced him to spend all of last season on the disabled list.

The Royals employed Kendall earlier this year as a part-time coach and instructor while he continued his rehab efforts. Kendall said he expected to discuss a continuing relationship later Tuesday with general manager Dayton Moore.

“I want to stay in the game,” Kendall said, “and I’d like to stay with this club. Dayton is coming down here tonight (to Northwest Arkansas) to watch (left-hander Mike) Montgomery. I’m sure we’ll talk.”