CHICAGO - Scott Podsednik played in 31 games for the Phillies in spring training and hit .309 with six extra-base hits and five stolen bases.

He thought he had done enough to make the team as a reserve outfielder. But the Phillies disagreed, offering Podsednik only a spot with their Triple A team.

At 36, Podsednik gave serious thought to retiring.

He had wrung just about all he could out of baseball, playing parts of 10 seasons with six teams and earning close to $10 million. He made the All-Star team and won the World Series with the White Sox in 2005, hitting a walkoff home run in Game 2 off Brad Lidge.

He also had a wife and two children back home in Texas. Podsednik married former Playboy model Lisa Dergan in 2006. Their daughter is 3 and their son is 1.

“I did not want to go to Triple A,’’ said Podsednik. “I knew how difficult it was going to be for me to get myself going.

“When you spent a few years in the big leagues, you kind of get spoiled. It’s tough to go down to Triple A and play with a sense of passion and urgency.

“The thought crossed my mind, ‘Will I ever make it back?’ ’’

Podsednik accepted the assignment and, predictably, was miserable. His mood was reflected in his play as he hit .197 over 23 games.

“I was just deflated after not making Philly’s club,’’ he said. “I wasn’t in the right mind-frame there. I’m not proud of that.’’

The Red Sox, their disabled list stuffed with outfielders, purchased Podsednik from the Phillies May 12 and assigned him to Triple A Pawtucket to serve as depth.

Only 10 days later, Podsednik was back in the majors, getting called up when Ryan Sweeney suffered a concussion and Cody Ross broke a bone in his left foot.

In 16 games with Boston, Podsednik is hitting .373 with an .868 OPS. He has 4 extra-base hits, 6 RBIs, and 4 stolen bases.