Cliff Lee May Never Pitch Again

Cliff Lee left the game in pain Sunday.

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- There is a very real possibility Cliff Lee has thrown his last pitch for the Phillies or any other team.

The Phillies' veteran left-hander is hoping his elbow is fine as he waits for doctors' input.  Lee and the Phillies are having noted orthopedist James Andrews, who Lee described today as “Basically, the best in the world at this,” examine his MRI results for a second opinion. If surgery is recommended, Lee, who turns 37 in August, would be out 6-8 months and possibly end his career.

The 36-year-old left-hander didn't pitch after July 31 last year because of a flexor pronator strain in his left elbow. He said the elbow felt normal as he threw two scoreless innings Thursday against Houston in his spring training debut, but he felt discomfort the next day. An MRI on Sunday revealed "very mild inflammation," according to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

Lee was sober before the press tonight: "So, basically, if I have the surgery this season will be done, possibly my career, I guess," he said. "I don't know. We'll have to see."

None of the three doctors -- Michael Ciccotti, David Altchek or Andrews -- thought he needed surgery last year after a flexor pronator strain put him on the disabled list twice and caused him to miss most of the season. There's a chance what Lee felt in his left elbow Friday is a byproduct of scar tissue build up. Lee is hoping that's the case instead of a worse alternative: surgery to fix the tendon.

"All three are the best in that area, and they all said last year it's in the upper 90s percent chance it'll heal just fine with rest, and like 3% chance you might need surgery," Lee said. "Obviously you're going to take your chances on rest and rehab, and that's what we did.  So, potentially I'm the 3% that needs surgery, and potentially it's scar tissue breaking up and it's normal. But I think it's early to know which one it is."

Lee reiterated that he felt fine after his two-inning start Thursday, his first since July 31. It wasn't until he began warming up Friday that he felt something in his elbow in the same spot he had issues with last year. He isn't sure if he will throw today or Tuesday. His elbow is still slightly sore from receiving a dye injection for the MRI he had Sunday. Knowing his body, Lee said he anticipates feeling "something" in his elbow when he throws in the next day or two.

"It's been months, and it was really mild, but it's just concerning because I knew what it turned into last year, and I just wanted to be open," Lee said. "I wasn't trying to hide anything. I truly felt nothing for months and then all of a sudden there it is after the first time I pitch in a game."

Lee is trying to stay positive with the knowledge that he did everything he could during the offseason to strengthen his elbow and prevent the injury from happening again. Despite that satisfaction, the reality of the situation isn't lost on Lee, who is earning $25 million this season.

The future looked bright then.

He's due a $12.5 million buyout of a $27.5 million club option in 2016.

"Obviously very disappointing with all the stuff I did in the offseason to prevent something like this from happening," Lee said. "It's frustrating. There's still a possibility it's scar tissue and it's normal but there's also the possibility it's coming back and that's very frustrating."

Lee is 143-91 with a 3.52 ERA in his MLB career.  He is 7-3 with a 2.52 ERA in the postseason.