Phillies' Burnett to undergo hernia surgery; still mulling 2015 option
Right-hander A.J. Burnett is undecided about his future in Philadelphia after the Phillies struggled to a 73-89 record to finish last in the National League East.
"It's obviously a frustrating year," Burnett said via MLB.com Philllies beat writer Todd Zolecki. "You come over here and you expect to make an impact. And you make the wrong impact."
Burnett led all major league pitchers in losses (18) and walks (96), and revealed he will undergo offseason surgery to repair a hernia. His rehab should only take a few weeks, at which point he'll decide on his future with the club.
"There are too many things to name right now," Burnett said about his pending decision to exercise his 2015 player option for $12.75 million. "Off the bat, my family. It's ultimately going to come down to me. I had the same thoughts last year. Then I woke up and I wanted to compete. So I can't just shut that down if it's still there. But then again, my youngins, they have a say in it."
The 37-year-old has until five days following the World Series to activate the option, or become a free agent.