Drew Smyly has decided against having season-ending shoulder surgery, but will instead rehab and try to pitch again this season with a torn labrum, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
After missing spring training and the first part of the regular season with shoulder tendinitis, the former Arkansas pitcher made three starts for the Tampa Bay Rays, posting 2.70 ERA in 16 2/3 innings.
However, in his third start, against the Boston Red Sox on May 5, Smyly felt some tightness and pain. He was placed on the 60-day disabled list Wednesday.
He was initially faced with surgery that would end his season and possibly cause him to miss some of the 2016 season, but after getting a second opinion, Smyly will try to rehab the injury.
The best-case scenario would be for Smyly to return to the Rays' rotation in August.