Calvin Watkins, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Harrison pondered retirement, continues comeback

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Sometimes you have to sit back and think about whether it’s worth it.

Yes, the money and fame that comes with being a baseball player is nice. You get recognized at the mall, in the park and while eating with the wife and kids.

At times the club will ask you to sign autographs and meet the loyal fans. You get a great per diem for road trips. You travel first class. Wear nice clothes.

Being a baseball player is cool.

But Matt Harrison had to decide if it’s worth risking his health.

The Texas Rangers starter has undergone three back surgeries over the last two years. He’s got a vertebrae that slips out of position and also has nerve irritation. On June 3 he underwent spinal fusion surgery where doctors fused the L5 and S1 disks.

He thought about retirement.

“Probably right after the surgery,” Harrison said of when he first pondered giving up baseball. “After the first couple of weeks (following surgery) I haven’t really thought about it until if I started having pain again. Then yes, I would (think about retiring). It would put doubt in my head as far as getting back. But right now I’m focused on the day-to-day goals and getting back as soon as possible, and if things don’t feel good once I get off the mound it’s obviously not worth it. Health and quality life is more important than throwing a baseball.”

Harrison made 62 starts and won 32 games from 2011 to 2012 and was named to the All-Star team in 2012. He pitched Game 7 of the 2011 World Series. The Rangers rewarded Harrison with a five-year, $55 million contract in January of 2013. He’s made six starts since signing the deal.

Back issues have prevented Harrison from getting back to his old form, and there’s no guarantee he can return from spinal fusion surgery.

Why? Because nobody in the history of the game has.

“It’s tough having to slow down, but I understand the situation,” Harrison said. “At the same time, I got one shot at this, and I want to do it right.”

Harrison has been throwing for three weeks and says it takes him a little longer to get warmed up, but the Rangers like what they've seen so far.

There are no expectations for Harrison at this stage of the winter, and there won’t be when pitchers and catchers report to spring training next month in Surprise, Ariz. He’ll pitch on the side for a while, then at some point get on the mound and throw a few pitches. If there isn't any pain, just the normal discomfort that comes from having back surgeries, then maybe he'll throw a simulated game. Then maybe he'll get in a few rehab starts. Before you know it, it will be June and we’ll have a better idea of where Harrison stands.

“Definitely take the slow road, the cautious road,” pitching coach Mike Maddux said of the Rangers' approach with Harrison. “This is not our first rodeo. Matt Harrison with multiple procedures on the same area in his back -- this will be a first, and were going to be cautious.”

The Rangers have four solid starters in their rotation, including Colby Lewis, who returned from hip replacement surgery last year.

“Just focus on getting it right,” Harrison said.

There’s hope. Patience is the key.

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