Phillies say news on Cliff Lee is positive

CLIFF LEE, arguably the most important player on the 2015 Phillies roster, given his salary and on-field impact, remains on track to be ready to return when the Phillies open camp in Clearwater in February.

Lee underwent an MRI on Friday at the Rothman Institute that yielded "positive results," the Phillies said in a news release Wednesday. According to the team medical staff, Lee's flexor tendon is "healing well."

Lee will begin a full throwing program in November.

Lee, 36, was limited to 13 starts this season after two separate stints on the disabled list because of an ailing left elbow. Lee is still owed a minimum of $37.5 million on the 5-year, $120 million contract he signed as a free agent in December 2010.

Two other Phillies players have undergone surgery since the 2014 season ended on Sunday.

Ben Revere, who battled soreness in his right ankle throughout the season, had screws removed from the ankle Tuesday at Rothman. Revere will be in a boot for 2 weeks, but is expected to have a full recovery before spring training.

Revere missed the entire second half of the 2013 season after breaking his right ankle.

Carlos Ruiz, meanwhile, had minor arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder Monday. He will return to Philadelphia next month for a follow-up exam and is expected to be ready for spring training.

A.J. Burnett, who was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia in April, hasn't had surgery yet. Burnett, who turns 38 in January, could return to the Phillies next season by way of a $12.75 million player option.

Burnett went 8-18 with a 4.59 ERA in 34 starts in 2014. Burnett's ERA ranked third worst among qualifying National League pitchers; he led all major leaguers in losses, earned runs (109) and walks (96).

Blog: ph.ly/HighCheese