Morrow likely headed for season-ending surgery

MILWAUKEE -- Right-handed pitcher Brandon Morrow has likely thrown his last pitch for the Padres.

Morrow, who hasn't pitched in a game for the Padres since May 2, was diagnosed with an impingement in his right shoulder, assistant general manager Fred Uhlman Jr. said.

Morrow got a second opinion on his troublesome shoulder late Tuesday in Los Angeles from Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who essentially confirmed the findings of team physician, Dr. Heinz Hoenecke.

Uhlman said the team will meet with Morrow on Friday after returning to Petco Park to "come up with a course of action."

"One of the options would be rehab," Uhlman said. "The more likely would be surgery, which would be a [arthroscopic], which would require a three-to-four month recovery time.

"Brandon wants to have all the facts before he makes a decision."

Morrow, who in November signed a one-year deal for $2.5 million with the possibility of earning $5 million in incentives, was 2-0 with a 2.73 ERA in five starts before landing on the disabled list in late May with inflammation in his right shoulder.

He didn't reach any of the incentives before going on the disabled list.

Morrow had two setbacks during separate Minor League rehabilitation stints, the first occurring on June 7 during a start with Double-A San Antonio and the second coming July 25 with Triple-A El Paso. Each time, Morrow experienced discomfort in his shoulder.

"I talked to his agent yesterday and Brandon today," Uhlman said. "... Obviously there's some disappointment there. But that's the risk you take when you sign any pitcher.

"He's optimistic it wasn't terrible news. This is something he can take care of through rehab or surgery and be fine and ready to go in Spring Training."

Morrow and Odrisamer Despaigne were essentially in competition for the fifth spot in the team's starting rotation, though that was probably always going to be Morrow.

He was good early, allowing four hits over seven shutout innings in his Padres debut on April 10, striking out seven.

Worth noting

• San Diego's Wil Myers, who felt discomfort in his surgically repaired left wrist late last month, is pain-free, Uhlman said. He's on a strength program and has yet to resume baseball activities.

"The good news is the discomfort has subsided," Uhlman said, "and he's basically pain-free."

Myers has played in just three games since May 10. He has surgery on June 18 to remove a bone spur in his wrist.