The Philadelphia Phillies announced that further evaluation confirmed that Cliff Lee suffered a torn flexor tendon on his left elbow, which might eventually force the pitcher to end his career.

The Phillies sought second opinion on Lee's ailing elbow, but world renowned orthopedist James Andrews also confirmed that the 36-year-old pitcher has a tear in the flexor tendon. Lee tried to rehab the injury twice since May, but to no avail.

According to the head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan, Lee will continue testing the elbow in the coming days, but general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. admitted to USA Today that they are not too optimistic about the condition of Lee, saying that the 13-year veteran might be forced to go under the knife.

"There is still the possibility he can come back and throw and throw with a minimal amount of discomfort," Amaro said. "But, we've tried to do this, rehab him non-surgically twice now, and the next order of progression I guess would be to have surgery if it doesn't pan out, or at least that would, I think, be the suggestion from the doctors."

Lee, who went 4-5 with a 3.65 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 13 starts last season, also admitted that the latest diagnosis is not a good sign because it could force him to undergo surgery, which will require six to eight months of recovery and rehabilitation.

"It's not a good sign, obviously. It's not good," Lee said. "At this point in my career it's hard to find a problem with going out there and just continuing to try and do it to see what happens. If it continues to be a problem then I'm going to have to get it fixed."

And if he eventually goes under the knife, Lee said that he will sit out the rest of the 2015 MLB season or retire from baseball for good.

"So basically if I have the surgery this season will be done, possibly my career I guess," Lee said. "I don't know."

With Lee out, the Phillies might decide not to trade veteran Cole Hamels and let him lead their starting rotation, which might include Aaron Harang, Jerome Williams, Miguel Gonzales, Kevin Slowey and David Buchanan.

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