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Cliff Lee stated on Monday that the ramifications of having surgery on his left elbow might be significant. If Lee were to opt for the surgery as opposed to rest, he would likely miss the entire 2015 season. However, Lee is also aware of the possibility that his career could be over.
“It would be 6-8 months out. So basically if I have the surgery this season will be done. Possibly my career I guess. I don't know. We'll have to see.” Lee said courtesy of Matt Breen of Philly.com.
Breen also noted in his article that Lee, 36, was told by doctors that he would have an “upper 90 percent chance” to heal by resting his arm instead of going under the knife.
Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal tweeted a statement from the Phillies about Lee’s timeline the past few days.
#Phillies’ statement on Lee: pic.twitter.com/1i1Xg79R6w
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 8, 2015
The results will also be reviewed by Dr. James Andrews in the next few days and the next move for Lee will be determined after Andrews makes his diagnosis. It was also said that Lee will likely begin throwing on Monday, saying he will miss his scheduled spring training start on Tuesday and his next start is TBD.
The general reaction from this news is positive, as Lee could very well see his time on the shelf shortened substantially if it is determined he does not need surgery. This comes after Lee had his 2014 season limited to only 13 starts, the last one coming July 31st. Lee ended the year with a 4-5 record, 3.65 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and a 72/12 K/BB rate.
“Obviously you're going to take your chances on rest and rehab and that's what we did.” Lee stated courtesy of Breen. “So potentially I'm the three percent 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.”
It would be disappointing if Lee had to miss all of 2015 due to another issue with his pitching elbow, despite the reports that his likelihood of surgery is small. The retirement comment seems like a worst case scenario. However, Lee, who turns 37 before the end of this season, will have a long road back should he need surgery.
Stay with us at Rotoballer as we continue to evaluate the situation with Cliff Lee and how this affects his 2015 season and beyond.
