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Cubs’ Guzman considers having shoulder surgery

MESA, Ariz. — Chicago Cubs reliever Angel Guzman is considering whether to have shoulder surgery even though he has been told the procedure won’t necessarily save his career.

“It’s pretty sad, but what can I do? I’m still breathing,” the right-hander said Sunday, one day after learning he had a torn ligament that could sideline him for the season.

“I love pitching. I’ve been pitching since I was 4 years old. I’m not that young, but I think 28’s a good age to keep pushing it.”

After examining Guzman and looking at the MRI of his shoulder, team medical personnel recommended four to six weeks of rest followed by gradual rehabilitation.

But Guzman, who missed last season’s final two weeks with shoulder pain, said: “I think there is no chance to get it fixed without the surgery.”

“Doing rehab won’t do anything,” he said. “I spent four months here working out (this past offseason). I felt as strong as ever ... and there’s still pain.”

He plans to get a second opinion as soon as possible from Dr. James Andrews, who repaired Guzman’s torn labrum in 2003 and performed Tommy John surgery on the pitcher’s right elbow in 2007.

“He did a pretty good job, so let’s see if the third one can get it finally done,” said Guzman, who avoided arbitration by agreeing to an $825,000 salary for 2010.

Guzman was expected to be the righty setup man in front of closer Carlos Marmol.

Dodgers’ Martin out

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin is expected to miss opening day after an MRI revealed a pulled groin.

Martin first felt discomfort during a running drill a few days before the Dodgers’ first spring game on Friday.

He started Friday’s game against the White Sox and played five innings, even stealing a base.

“We don’t know how long it’s going to be,” general manager Ned Colletti said Sunday in Mesa, where Los Angeles’ spring game against a Chicago Cubs split-squad was rained out. “It’s four to six weeks right now but you know how that goes.”

A.J. Ellis, who has just 13 career major league at-bats, will get the bulk of the catching duties with Martin out. The Dodgers also have veteran backup Brad Ausmus, who turns 41 in April.

Brewers rained out

The Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers game Sunday in Phoenix was rained out.

The teams will play a “B” game today at 9:30 a.m. at the Reds’ spring training complex in Goodyear, Ariz.

Doug Davis was set to start for the Brewers Sunday. Instead, he is slated to throw two simulated innings in the batting cages.