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Moyer reportedly reinjures left elbow in Dominican Republic

Jamie Moyer in his final start for the Phillies in July. After an inning, he left with an elbow injury.

By Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: November 08, 2010

Jamie Moyer went to the Dominican Republic to prove he could still pitch. Ultimately, he may have ended his career there while throwing in a winter ball game.

Moyer reportedly reinjured his left elbow in the third inning of a start Saturday for Escogido of the Dominican Winter League. The lefthander, who turns 48 next week, is a free agent and was hoping for a major-league invitation to spring training after pitching parts of five seasons in Philadelphia.

Instead, according to the Associated Press, Moyer traveled to California to seek a new diagnosis from Lewis Yocum, the specialist who told Moyer he did not need Tommy John surgery after injuring the elbow in July.

"He threw a pitch and hurt himself," Escogido's general manager, Moises Alou, told reporters. "He has a bruise the size of a golf ball at the elbow."

Alou speculated that it could be the end of Moyer's career. The pitcher was unavailable for comment Sunday.

In three starts for Escogido this winter season, Moyer allowed one earned run on four hits in 51/3 innings. He expected to spend about a month in the Dominican Republic, his first game action since he was injured in the summer.

On July 20 in St. Louis, Moyer hurt his elbow in the first inning. The diagnosis was a sprained ulnar collateral ligament and a strained flexor pronator tendon in his left elbow.

A serious injury to the ulnar collateral ligament normally requires Tommy John surgery, but Yocum recommended rest. Moyer slowly began a throwing program toward the end of the season but never had a chance to return to the Phillies.

The Sellersville native and St. Joseph's graduate was unlikely to be re-signed by the Phillies, who have four starters under contract for 2011 and Kyle Kendrick and Vance Worley under their control.

In 24 major-league seasons, Moyer has 267 wins and a 4.24 ERA.

Contact staff writer Matt Gelb

at 215-854-2928 or mgelb@phillynews.com.

Follow him on Twitter @magelb.