Boston, MA (Sports Network) - The Boston Red Sox may be without veteran Curt Schilling for the upcoming season due to a significant shoulder injury. The Boston Herald reported that the 41-year-old right-hander may need surgery, which would likely cost him the season and very well could end his career.
The report also states that the injury is causing problems between Schilling and the Sox.
The club issued a statement Thursday night that neither confirms nor denies whether the veteran pitched may need surgery.
"Curt Schilling was examined by Red Sox doctors in January after he reported feeling right shoulder discomfort. Curt has started a program of rest, rehabilitation and shoulder strengthening in an attempt to return to pitching," the club said.
Schilling signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox this offseason that will pay him a guaranteed base salary of $8 million with $2 million in bonuses tied to six separate weigh-ins.
According to the Herald, though, the Red Sox have already inquired about the possibility of voiding the deal. It is believed that Schilling underwent a physical when he signed the contract back in November, but it is not known whether the injury was overlooked then or if he suffered it at a later date.
Schilling was 9-8 with a 3.87 earned run average in 24 starts last season, but was 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in four postseason games. He is 11-2 all-time in the playoffs.
During his career, Schilling has posted a 216-146 record with a 3.46 ERA, having also pitched for Baltimore, Houston, Philadelphia and Arizona. The six- time All-Star and co-MVP of the 2001 World Series when he was with the Diamondbacks missed 1 1/2 months last season due to tendinitis in his shoulder.
The report also states that the injury is causing problems between Schilling and the Sox.
The club issued a statement Thursday night that neither confirms nor denies whether the veteran pitched may need surgery.
"Curt Schilling was examined by Red Sox doctors in January after he reported feeling right shoulder discomfort. Curt has started a program of rest, rehabilitation and shoulder strengthening in an attempt to return to pitching," the club said.
Schilling signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox this offseason that will pay him a guaranteed base salary of $8 million with $2 million in bonuses tied to six separate weigh-ins.
According to the Herald, though, the Red Sox have already inquired about the possibility of voiding the deal. It is believed that Schilling underwent a physical when he signed the contract back in November, but it is not known whether the injury was overlooked then or if he suffered it at a later date.
Schilling was 9-8 with a 3.87 earned run average in 24 starts last season, but was 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in four postseason games. He is 11-2 all-time in the playoffs.
During his career, Schilling has posted a 216-146 record with a 3.46 ERA, having also pitched for Baltimore, Houston, Philadelphia and Arizona. The six- time All-Star and co-MVP of the 2001 World Series when he was with the Diamondbacks missed 1 1/2 months last season due to tendinitis in his shoulder.
