BOSTON — If he never pitches again, Curt Schilling has left his mark on the Boston Red Sox. And that’s a distinct possibility now that he faces shoulder surgery.
The 41-year-old right-hander, one of the best postseason pitchers in baseball history, will have the season-ending operation Monday after the rehabilitation program preferred by the club didn’t work.
“Coming back from this surgery at 31 would be an enormous challenge, at 41 more so,” Schilling wrote on his blog, , on Friday. “BUT, if that is an option at least I’ll be able to make that decision with all the cards on the table, and it will end on terms I choose. I won’t come back throwing 85 with so-so crap. If there is not an option to come back and be good, I won’t.”
Schilling’s bullpen session last Friday did not go well. He was examined Monday by his personal physician, Dr. Craig Morgan, who had recommended surgery during spring training. The Red Sox insisted on a more conservative approach of rehabilitation.
The 20-year veteran, who hasn’t pitched since last season, Friday announced plans for surgery.
