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Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee has tear in flexor tendon in elbow
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee has a tear in the common flexor tendon in his left elbow, according to CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury.
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki said the Phillies are "not terribly optimistic" about Lee recovering from the injury, but that the 36-year-old will try throwing through it.
• CORCORAN: Texas dealt blow as Darvish weighs Tommy John surgery
[daily_cut.MLB]
Lee received a second opinion on his elbow from Dr. James Andrews after experiencing discomfort after throwing two innings in his spring debut last week.
If he cannot continue pitching through the injury, Lee would need surgery requiring a six-to-eight month recovery period, according to Zolecki. On Monday, Lee told ESPN that if he needs surgery, his season would be done and possibly his career.
Lee was limited by a strained flexor tendon in his elbow last season, pitching in only 13 games. He went 4-5 with a 3.65 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 81.1 innings.
Lee is due to make $25 million this season. He has a $27.5 million team option for 2016 and a $12.5 million buyout.
- Molly Geary
GALLERY: CLASSIC PHOTOS OF CLIFF LEE
Classic Photos of Cliff Lee
Cliff Lee
Here are some classic photos of Cliff Lee, who has played for the Indians, Mariners, Rangers and Phillies (two stints) since joining the majors in 2003. Though he was drafted in 1997 and 1998, Cliff Lee chose to spend two years at Meridian Community College before pitching for the University of Arkansas in 2000. Lee went 4-3 with a 4.45 ERA in his one year with the Razorbacks.
Cliff Lee
Lee made his major league debut against the Twins in September 2002. He earned his first win on June 30, 2003 (pictured), but returned to Cleveland's Triple-A team after the game. He rejoined the big league rotation in August.
Cliff Lee
Lee led the Indians with 161 strikeouts in 2004 in his first full year with the club. He also tied Jake Westbrook for a team-leading 14 wins. In this photo he has just been ejected for throwing at Ken Griffey Jr.
Cliff Lee
Lee led the AL in winning percentage in 2005, posting an 18-5 record.
Cliff Lee
The Indians southpaw threw consecutive 200-inning seasons in 2005 and 2006. He also received props from his teammates after laying down a successful sacrifice bunt against the Cardinals in this June 2006 game.
Cliff Lee
Lee struggled in 2007 after suffering a groin strain during spring training, but had at least one fist-bump worthy moment with first baseman Ryan Garko.
Cliff Lee
Lee was demoted and only pitched from the bullpen when he rejoined the Indians in September. He joined the team for spring training in 2008 without the assurance of a starting job.
Cliff Lee
Lee rebounded to post an incredible 22-3 record in 2008, leading the AL in wins and ERA. Lee won the Cy Young Award, was named the AL Comeback Player of the Year and made his first All-Star Game appearance.
Cliff Lee
Lee was traded to Philadelphia during the 2009 season, where he went 7-4 in 12 starts.
Cliff Lee
Pitchers are usually an easy out, but Lee hit a respectable .212 in 33 games for the Phillies in 2009, including this double.
Cliff Lee
Lee running to second base on a wild pitch on Aug. 19, 2009. Lee pitched a gem and the Phillies beat the Diamondbacks 8-1.
Cliff Lee
Lee looks on after stealing second base in the first game of the NLDS against the Colorado Rockies.
Cliff Lee
Lee carried the Phillies to the World Series in 2009 with a 1.56 postseason ERA.
Cliff Lee
The Phillies celebrate in the clubhouse after clinching the NL pennant with a victory in Game 5 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium.
Cliff Lee
Lee answers questions in a press conference the day before the World Series starts. As Philadelphia's ace, Lee pitched the first game, facing former teammate C.C. Sabathia.
Cliff Lee
Philadelphia managed two victories against the Yankees in the 2009 World Series. Lee won both games.
Cliff Lee
Lee singles against the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series.
Cliff Lee
Following the 2009 season, Lee was part of a complicated three-team trade and found himself in Seattle.
Cliff Lee
The Mariners hoped to make a run at the postseason in 2010, but injuries and poor performances by veterans quickly made those dreams unrealistic. Lee once again became a trade chip.
Cliff Lee
Lee answers questions in a press conference on July 9 after learning he has been traded to the Rangers.
Cliff Lee
The Rangers acquired Lee in July. He went 4-6 for Texas in the regular season.
Cliff Lee
Lee at the 2010 Home Run Derby with his children.
Cliff Lee
Lee looks on from the dugout during a 4-1 loss to the Angels.
Cliff Lee
Lee redeemed his slow start with Texas in the first two rounds of the postseason.
Cliff Lee
The Rangers celebrate a Game 5 ALDS victory that sent them to the ALCS.
Cliff Lee
Lee faced the Yankees in the postseason again, this time in the ALCS.
Cliff Lee
Lee beats Yankee Brett Gardner to the bag in Game 3 of the ALCS.
Cliff Lee
Lee and Gardner get tangled up after the race to first.
Cliff Lee
Lee was shelled by the Giants in the 2010 World Series, surrendering nine earned runs in 11.2 innings. He lost both of his starts.
Cliff Lee
Lee (center) chose to return to Philadelphia following the 2010 season, complementing a highly-touted rotation filled out by (left to right) Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and Roy Halladay.
Cliff Lee
The Phillies signed Lee for five years at $120 million.
Cliff Lee
Lee stretches before a spring training game in Dunedin, Fla.
Cliff Lee
The Phillies' southpaw led the league with six shutouts in 2011, also boasting a 17-8 record and 2.40 ERA. Lee and the Phillies were edged out in the Divisional Series by St. Louis, the eventual World Series champion.
Cliff Lee
Manager Charlie Manuel congratulates Lee after a good start at Dodger Stadium.
Cliff Lee
Lee pitched well to start 2012, but did not win a start until July 4. While Lee went 6-9, he recorded 211 innings with a 3.16 ERA.
Cliff Lee
The Phillies pitcher bunts against the Diamondbacks on May 11, 2013 at Chase Field.
Cliff Lee
Lee held together the Phillies' rotation early in 2013 amidst a plethora of pitching woes, including injuries to Roy Halladay and John Lannan.
Cliff Lee
Lee returns to the dugout with catcher Erik Kratz after retiring the side in a game against the Red Sox on May 28. The Phillies won the game, 3-1.
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