Percival Might Have to Retire

Former Angel and current Detroit Tiger closer Troy Percival might have to retire.

Percival, 35, has been sidelined since July 10 because of a muscle tear in his right forearm. The 11-year veteran, who recorded 316 of his 324 career saves with the Angels before joining Detroit as a free agent last winter, will meet with Angel team physician Lewis Yocum today. He should learn then if he has pitched his last game in the major leagues.

“It’s possible. If I have surgery and I have to sit out next year, I’d be done,” Percival said.

“Either he’ll say this is going to heal up enough to pitch, or we’re going to have to do surgery -- which I don’t want to do. With surgery, I have no chance and I’ll miss all next year because it’s a minimum of 12 months.”

The Tigers signed Percival to a two-year, $12-million contract in November.

He was 1-2 with a 5.76 ERA in 26 appearances this season and had three blown saves in 11 opportunities.

The last time Percival saw Yocum, he was told his arm would feel better in two months and that he should rest it until the scar tissue forms. Then he could come up with a better prognosis.

“It’s doing a lot better than it was,” Percival said.

“I’m back to normal everyday stuff. I haven’t gotten to where I think I’m comfortable enough to start picking up a ball and start chucking it yet, but I still have the whole off-season to get that ready and come firing in the spring. I’ll know a lot more [today] when Dr. Yocum looks at it.”

*

Atlanta left-hander Mike Hampton faces the possibility of Tommy John surgery.

Hampton, who has been sidelined since Aug. 20 because of a herniated disk, saw Dr. Dave Altchek in New York.

Altchek confirmed the earlier diagnosis of the Braves’ medical staff that the source of Hampton’s forearm pain was coming from his elbow and that he might require reconstructive surgery.

Hampton will meet with the Braves in New York this weekend and make a decision on the surgery.

Hampton is 5-3 with a 3.50 ERA this season, making only 12 starts because of four trips to the disabled list.

*

The Boston Red Sox purchased the contract of outfielder Adam Hyzdu from triple-A Pawtucket and unconditionally released left-hander Matt Perisho.