ANAHEIM -- Matthew Shoemaker has opted to undergo season-ending surgery to release the compressed radial nerve in his right forearm, the Angels announced on Sunday. The procedure, which will be performed by Dr. Steve Shin on Tuesday in Los Angeles, is expected to entail a recovery period of 12-14 weeks.
"We've done everything we can do before surgery. We've pretty much exhausted all options," Shoemaker said following the Angels' 11-10 loss to the A's on Sunday. "It's a tough decision, but also, talking to all the specialists, that's what needs to be done."
Shoemaker landed on the disabled list with the forearm strain on June 15, and tried to rehab the injury twice before experiencing setbacks. The nerve issue was diagnosed after his forearm flared up during a Minor League start with Class A Advanced Inland Empire on July 4, but Shoemaker remained confident that he would be able to return to pitch for the Angels this season.
"Right after my rehab start, I was relieved that we found out what it was and also very optimistic about being able to get it fixed and coming back for this season," Shoemaker said. "That was the whole goal."
Still, Shoemaker felt a recurrence of symptoms while throwing a bullpen session on Friday and subsequently visited a team doctor, who first broached the possibility of surgery. The 30-year-old right-hander consulted medical professionals over the weekend before deciding to take the surgical route.
Before the injury, Shoemaker went 6-3 with a 4.52 ERA over 77 2/3 innings in 14 starts for the Angels this season. He said his rehab is not expected to impact his availability for next season.
"The unfortunate part is that it most likely puts me out the rest of the year, which is really tough to swallow," Shoemaker said. "But on the positive side, it should be no issue [for next season]."
It will mark the second straight season that Shoemaker's season has been cut short by surgery. Last September, he was forced to undergo emergency brain surgery after being hit on the head by a line drive during a start against the Mariners.