Phillies “Not Terribly Optimistic” About Cliff Lee

After a second opinion by Dr. James Andrews, it’s been confirmed that the tear in Cliff Lee’s left elbow is still there, according to G.M. Ruben Amaro Jr. He told reporters that Lee will try to pitch through it, and if things don’t improve, surgery is an option. He noted that he wasn’t “terribly optimistic” about Lee’s status. 

If they do choose the surgery route, the recovery would be 6-8 months. Still, Lee has mentioned before that surgery may end his career.

Now, we wait. 

UPDATE: On Twitter, former Phillies pitcher Brett Myers said that he had the same thing in his elbow. He pitched through it, and sprained his UCL. And his elbow hasn’t been right since.