"Although a final decision won't be made until later today, the Red Sox are bracing for Daisuke Matsuzaka to have season-ending surgery on his right elbow, possibly as soon as next week.

Matsuzaka met yesterday with team officials to continue a discussion about treatment options for the partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. Based on the findings of their medical staff, the Red Sox have advocated managing the injury with rest and rehabilitation, but Matsuzaka would rather undergo Tommy John ligament replacement surgery, according to a source with knowledge of the talks.

All signs point to the pitcher getting his way, with the surgery likely to be performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Lewis Yocum, who examined Matsuzaka this week and offered a second opinion.

If Matsuzaka undergoes surgery, the typical rehab period is 12-15 months, often longer. Thus, it's possible his career with the Red Sox is over. His six-year, $52 million contract expires after next season.

The problem seemingly began April 29 when Matsuzaka left a start in the fifth inning because of elbow tightness, which he dismissed as not serious. He didn't pitch until a 13th-inning relief appearance May 4, and didn't make his next start until May 8 against the Minnesota Twins."