Brian Moehler, who hasn't pitched since early July, will undergo season-ending surgery next Wednesday.
Moehler has had several setbacks in his rehabilitation; he left last night's rehab start after just three inning in Round Rock after feeling discomfort in the groin area. A simulated game earlier this year also resulted in a torn tendon in the groin area. However, the 38-year-old's DL stint is because of an injury sustained in the lower abdomen.
"It just hasn't responded like I had hoped," Moehler said. "I was getting some sharp pain when I threw breaking pitches and sinking fastballs, and in the third inning last night it got to the point when they'd call a pitch and I'd say, 'What's this going to feel like when I throw it?' It wasn't going to work without surgery."
However, Moehler does plan to pitch another year, barring a comeback from this injury:
"I'd like to play next year, but we'll see what happens," Moehler said. "It's better off to get the surgery done now than later and it gives me the opportunity, if there is an opportunity to play next year, to get ready and come to Spring Training. It's not a major surgery. I'll be able to pitch again, so it's not a big issue. The longer I waited, the longer it would take me to get back and throw."
The Astros may very well decide not to bring back Moehler, who will be a free agent. Moehler turns 39 in the offseason.