Surgeon: Earlier operation would likely have had Schilling ready for playoffs

BOSTON -- Curt Schilling could have been ready to pitch in the AL Championship Series, according to his surgeon.

Dr. Craig Morgan said Wednesday that if the Boston Red Sox had followed his advice to operate on Schilling's shoulder last winter, the right-hander likely would have been ready for the postseason.

"If the (team) would have let me do the surgery in January, he'd probably be pitching in the playoffs now," Morgan said in a telephone interview with the Associated Press.

Schilling, who turns 42 next month, missed the entire season after having shoulder surgery in June. The Red Sox won the AL wild card without him and on Wednesday announced their rotation for the best-of-seven ALCS that starts Friday night at Tampa Bay.

Only 3½ months after the operation was performed, Morgan on Wednesday described Schilling's shoulder as "phenomenal."

Red Sox owner John Henry, general manager Theo Epstein, president Larry Lucchino and team physician Dr. Thomas Gill did not respond to e-mail requests for comment.

A spokesman for Schilling said the pitcher had no comment. The six-time All-Star is signed for only 2008 at $8 million.

Morgan wanted to operate last January, then said during spring training that the only way Schilling might have been able to pitch this season would be if he had surgery. Gill recommended rehabilitation and Schilling did that reluctantly because he was obligated under his contract to follow the team's plan.

Schilling had the operation June 23 after rehabilitation didn't relieve the pain he felt when throwing from a mound at far below maximum effort. Morgan repaired Schilling's right biceps tendon and labrum but found no meaningful rotator cuff problem.

The shoulder is healthy enough for Schilling to pitch all next season with normal rehabilitation, Morgan said, but "for him to do that, he has to get serious with his rehab."

He said he last spoke with Schilling two weeks ago and last examined him six weeks ago.

Schilling has said if he doesn't retire, he would consider pitching in the second half next season.

"If I had to make that decision today, yes, I'd retire," he said in a recent interview with Sporting News.