Major League Baseball

Rays LHP Howell has season-ending shoulder surgery

Published May. 20, 2010 2:19 a.m. ET

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Rays reliever J.P. Howell had season-ending surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday, a disappointing blow to Tampa Bay's bullpen.

The operation was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. The Rays said they are optimistic Howell will be ready for the start of the 2011 season.

``We tried everything possible to avoid it, but it was unavoidable as it turned out,'' Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. ``He's going to be missed.''

Howell has been sidelined all season for the Rays, who began the day with baseball's best record at 28-11. The left-hander was a key member of Tampa Bay's AL championship team in 2008, and he went 7-5 with a 2.84 ERA and 17 saves in 69 appearances last year. He also had 79 strikeouts in 66 2-3 innings.

``It's really unfortunate. You can't replace a guy like J.P.,'' Rays reliever Randy Choate said. ``Obviously, he's probably been the best reliever here the last two years. ... If anybody can bounce back from it, it's J.P.''

Even without Howell, the Rays began the day with a 2.69 ERA, best in the AL by a wide margin. New closer Rafael Soriano was 10 for 10 in save opportunities and Tampa Bay relievers had a 1.63 ERA in the past 30 games.

``We don't have J.P., but the other guys are doing a fabulous job,'' Maddon said.

Which is a big reason why executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman doesn't think he necessarily has to look elsewhere for help to replace Howell.

``We've got a lot of guys who are doing really well in the bullpen,'' he said. ``Our mentality is to always look for ways to possibly improve, but we have a lot of confidence in the seven guys we have right now.''

The 27-year-old Howell had to halt a simulated game Monday just after starting because of discomfort in the shoulder. Two days later, he went in for surgery.

``We certainly knew that it was a possibility. We went through the rehab process in a very methodical way to give us the best chance to get him back on the mound, and it didn't work,'' Friedman said. ``But in the meantime, we strengthened up the shoulder through the rehab process, which we feel like will aid in the recovery. And by all indications, today went really well.''

Friedman said he spoke with Howell before the operation.

``Obviously, he was frustrated. It was an emotional moment for him, going through this really for the first time,'' Friedman said. ``He's in great hands. He's a great worker, great competitor and so I certainly would never bet against him. We're optimistic that we'll get him back and he'll be the J.P. Howell of old.''

Friedman said Howell could start a throwing program in January.

``We're really not going to know a whole lot probably until the offseason,'' he said.

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