BOSTON — Curt Schilling could be throwing off a mound by January after having shoulder surgery Monday that keeps him on target to pitch by the middle of next season if he decides to return.
The former Red Sox ace had his right biceps tendon and labrum repaired and there was no meaningful rotator cuff problem as feared.
“This really is a best-case scenario,” performing surgeon Craig Morgan said. “He wants to pitch one more year if it’s structurally possible with the type of surgery that went on. My answer is: It is structurally possible if all goes well with the healing process.”
• First baseman Kevin Youkilis left Boston’s game against Arizona before the top of the fifth inning after getting hit under the right eye by Mike Lowell’s one-hop throw during infield warm-ups.
Before the game, backup Sean Casey dropped the appeal of his three-game suspension for his part in a brawl against Tampa Bay on June 5.
Footnotes.
Cardinals pitcher Mark Mulder was scratched from a scheduled injury rehabilitation start because of back stiffness.
• Mariners left-hander Erik Bedard (back spasms) was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday against the Mets. Miguel Batista will start instead.
• Pirates right-hander Ian Snell could miss his scheduled start Friday against Tampa Bay because of a sore elbow. Meanwhile, left-hander Phil Dumatrait learned he has bursitis but no structural damage in his left shoulder. He is expected to come off the 15-day disabled list as scheduled July 5.
• Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson will undergo surgery today on his injured right wrist and might not return this season.
• Reliever Joel Peralta was recalled by the Royals, who optioned right-hander Jeff Fulchino to Triple-A Omaha. The Associated Press
