Coming off surgery, Adams eyes return to 'pen in '14

PHILADELPHIA -- These days, everything for the Phillies is about the future.

Right-hander Mike Adams said Sunday at Citizens Bank Park he hopes he can help the Phillies' bullpen in 2014. He had right shoulder surgery Wednesday in Los Angeles and said it went better than expected. He said he not only expects to be ready to pitch come Spring Training, but compete during the regular season.

"I plan on it," he said. "Whether or not I'll be the pitcher I was a couple years ago, I don't know. I don't know if that velocity will ever come back, but as far as how I'll feel, [Dodgers physician Neal ElAttrache] said I should feel the best I've felt in a couple years. But I went into it more pessimistic and expecting the worst and I came out of it pretty well."

Adams said he could begin his throwing program in October, but he plans to wait a little longer to give himself more time to recover. But he said even if he begins to throw in late November or early December, he could be ready to go by the beginning of Spring Training in mid-February.

"Whatever the plan is when Spring Training starts, I don't know," he said. "But just the fact I will be able to participate in Spring Training is good."

Adams went into the surgery understanding that if the shoulder looked as bad as it could have looked he might need about 18 months to rehab, or his career might be over.

"It was just cleanup," he said, adding the rotator cuff did not need to be completely repaired.

If Adams can recover that quickly and compete effectively, it would be a boost to a bullpen that has been a disappointment. Its 4.26 ERA this season ranks 28th.