Cliff Lee surmises on surgery, career

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- 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 flexor pronator strain in his left elbow. He said the elbow felt normal as he threw two scoreless innings Thursday against Houston in his spring training debut, but he felt discomfort the next day. An MRI on Sunday revealed "very mild inflammation," according to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

"Basically, if I have the surgery, this season will be done, possibly my career, I guess," Lee said. "I don't know. We'll have to see."