Phillies GM says Cliff Lee should be ready for spring training
Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. provided an encouraging update on veteran left-hander Cliff Lee at the winter meetings Monday.
A strained flexor pronator in Lee's left elbow limited the 36-year-old to just 13 starts last season - he last took the mound July 31 - but Amaro said that Lee's throwing program is going well thus far.
“He’s got no issues,” Amaro told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. “He’s in his normal program now. I think he probably won’t get on the mound until January.”
Lee was considered a potential trade target last season as the trade deadline neared, but any chance of dealing the former Cy Young award winner dissipated after he injured his elbow.
Amaro added that Lee is expected to be ready when spring training opens in February.
“That’s what we think,” he said. “Talked to (head athletic trainer) Scott Sheridan this morning about it and he’s on a normal schedule now. Of course unless he has some sort setback.”
Lee, who's set to earn $25 million next season with a $27.5-million vesting option for 2016, authored a 3.65 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP across 81 1/3 innings last year.