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Cliff Lee Might Need Surgery On Left Elbow, Ending Season And Possibly Career

CLEARWATER, Fla. (CBSNewYork/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 revealed "very mild inflammation," according to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

Lee and the Phillies hoped to hear back from Andrews later Monday or on Tuesday. Lee realizes surgery would have major ramifications on his career.

"It'd be six-to-eight months out," Lee said Monday. "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."

The four-time All-Star is entering the final guaranteed season of a $120 million, five-year contract. The deal includes a $27.5 million team option for 2016 with a $12.5 million buyout, a year that would become guaranteed if he pitches at least 200 innings this year and he is not on the disabled list at the end of the season due to a left elbow or shoulder injury.

"Obviously, very disappointing with all the stuff I did in the offseason to prevent something like this from happening," Lee said Monday. "It's frustrating. There's still a possibility it's scar tissue and it's normal, but there's also the possibility it's coming back and that's very frustrating. I just know I did everything to prevent it."

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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