Phillies Cliff Lee Says Surgery Would End His Season

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee is awaiting a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews on his ailing left elbow and says surgery would end his season and possibly his career.

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

Lee says "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."