Harrison has career-threatening spine surgery

ARLINGTON -- Rangers pitcher Matt Harrison underwent disc fusion surgery on his back on Tuesday. The surgery was performed by Dr. Drew Dossett and Harrison will be hospitalized for two days.

The Rangers announced no other details, but Harrison is expected to miss the rest of the season. His career is also in doubt. When the Rangers announced last month that Harrison had severe nerve damage in his lower back, they said there was a possibility that surgery would be required.

The chances of recovery from this kind of surgery to the point where Harrison could pitch again are not good. Harrison was operated on twice by Dossett last year to a repair a herniated disc.

Harrison won 32 games for the Rangers in 2011-12. He also signed a five-year, $55 million contract extension in the spring of 2013. But he has been able to pitch in just six games over the past two seasons while dealing with back problems.