The hope for Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee this Spring was that he could prove himself to be healthy. Not for the Phillies directly, but so that the Phillies could trade Lee and his contract to another team for some pieces towards the rebuild. Already after one promising Spring start, that seems to be more and more doubtful.
Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News delivered the ominous news:
Cliff Lee has discomfort in left elbow.
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) March 8, 2015
There is no word yet what this means going forward.
In recent days, many writers thought that Lee would be a good match for the Texas Rangers, whom just suffered a huge loss in Yu Darvish, who will have Tommy John surgery. Lee may not be headed for the same, since his issues last season were reportedly not to the UCL, but this raises enough questions to kill any trade speculation. That is, of course, unless this is an entirely new issue with a different ligament.
Should Lee finish the season on the disabled list, his 2016 contract option will not vest. So, if Lee spends 2015 with injury issues, we may have seen him pitch for the last time.
UPDATES: Meghan Montemurro of the Delaware News Journal had a few updates on Lee:
Cliff Lee has suffered a setback w/his left elbow. He felt something in his elbow on Friday. MRI results showed mild inflammation. #Phillies
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) March 8, 2015
It's a flexor pronator issue again for Lee. He will miss his next start. Starts throwing program Mon/Tues. MRI results sent to Dr. Andrews.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) March 8, 2015
Amaro said he doesn't think surgery is an option for Lee but that would be up to him. None of three docs consulted last year recommended it.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) March 8, 2015
