Drew Smyly may need to have season-ending shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The former Arkansas pitcher started the season on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, but has made three starts for the Tampa Bay Rays.
He was placed back on the disabled list Friday because he was tight and sore after his start Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox.
During that start, Smyly tossed five perfect innings before giving up a leadoff home run to Mookie Betts in the sixth. It was the only run he allowed in six innings of work and just one of two hits.
However, the Rays were shutout 2-0 and he was credited with the loss.
The outing dropped his season ERA to 2.70. It was his first decision of the season, so he is 0-1. Smyly also has three walks and 21 strikeouts, while giving up 10 hits in 16 2/3 innings.
Four of the 10 hits he has allowed have been home runs.
Smyly will have an MRI on his shoulder Monday, but if he needs the season-ending surgery, he'll be the third Rays starting pitcher to be sidelined for the rest of the year.