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Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb's MRI taken this week shows some changes in his rotator cuff and the club reports that Webb is weighing his options, which could include surgery.
This latest setback makes it likely Webb is done pitching for the rest of the 2011 season.
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Webb, 32, signed a one-year deal this offseason for $3 million guaranteed and another $5 million in incentives. The Rangers took a conservative approach in spring training, hoping he would be able to slowly regain the strength in his pitching arm and shoulder and be ready to join the team at some point this season.
But Webb, who had shoulder debridement surgery on Aug. 3, 2009 and hasn't pitched in the majors since Opening Day 2009 for the Diamondbacks, was scratched from his last rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock after he warmed up and felt discomfort in his shoulder.
Webb was attempting to come back, but never found enough velocity or consistent command to be considered ready to return to the majors. On Saturday, before his MRI and visit with Rangers team physician Dr. Keith Meister, Webb was disappointed he couldn't make his last start and was asked if he thought he'd pitch again in the majors.
"I have no idea," Webb said Saturday. "I don't know. It's real discouraging."
Webb won the 2006 NL Cy Young Award and was an All-Star in 2007 and 2008. He won a career-high 22 games before the shoulder got sore enough that he needed the surgery in 2009.
Webb will take some time to contemplate what he will do now and whether he wants to continue to try to make a comeback, though it likely won't be this season.
Would have liked to see him pitch again this season
