Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter says he's likely to never pitch again

Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter says he is doubtful that he will pitch again. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter is trying

Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter says he is doubtful that he will pitch again. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter is trying to work his way back into health after dealing with a blood clot in his right throwing shoulder.

He is sounding less optimistic that he can return to pitching anytime soon -- if ever.

Carpenter missed most of the 2012 season due to thoracic outlet syndrome. In 15 seasons, Carpenter has a career 144-94 record with 3.76 ERA and 1,697 strikeouts.

"I do (want to keep playing)," Carpenter said to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I don't think I can. ... There has been no change. There is some everyday stuff that is going on that is affecting me a little bit. Right now I'm just enjoying my time with my family. ... I was planning on playing, on being a part of this team and make the choice at the end of the year whether I wanted to keep playing or not." Carpenter met with Cardinals team physicians last month for a series of scans that were needed to reveal whether he was dealing with a blood clot in or around his shoulder. Carpenter was unable to intensify his throwing program when nerve troubles returned to his right shoulder. He had surgery last year to create room in his shoulder for the nerves to fire without trouble.