Cliff Lee medically cleared, plans to pitch next season

If Cliff Lee has his way, he will be back on the mound during the 2016 season.

According to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, the veteran hurler has begun throwing again after being medically cleared by his doctors. He intends to continue his career after some recent road bumps.

Lee missed the entire 2015 campaign due to a tear in his left flexor tendon. Elbow issues limited to just 13 starts the previous year. The Phillies unsurprisingly cut him loose in November, declining his $27.5 million option for next season in favor of a $12.5 million buyout.

At age 37 and coming off elbow woes, many questioned the likelihood of a comeback attempt from Lee. It appears the southpaw will indeed give it another go. To his credit, he continued to put up solid numbers even amidst the mounting injuries. In his abbreviated 2014 season, he posted a 3.65 ERA over 81.1 innings. Though he allowed an uncharacteristically high 11.1 hits per nine frames, he managed to maintain a 8.0 K/9 rate.

Lee is backed by a very impressive career resume, of course, one that will presumably lead to some legitimate interest from big league clubs this winter. He won the AL Cy Young with Cleveland in 2008, collecting 22 victories to the tune of a 2.54 ERA (both MLB bests).

From 2008 to 2013, he was one of the best (and most well-traveled) starting pitchers in the game, boasting an 85-50 record, 2.89 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 6.11 K/BB ratio for the Indians, Phillies, Mariners and Rangers during that span.

Worth noting, however, is that Lee will pitch in 2016 if he finds (in Heyman’s words) the “right fit.” What that might specifically entail is unclear, but it is probably safe to say that Lee will seek to secure a major league deal if possible. Teams willing to offer a clear shot at a rotation spot will also likely receive greater consideration.

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Though age and recent health complications are serious factors to keep in mind with Lee, his name still carries significant weight. If he can stay healthy next year, his addition could be a potential payoff for clubs willing to take a flyer.