Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee throws during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park Thursday, July 31, 2014, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Cliff Lee Injury: Updates on Phillies SP's Elbow and Recovery

Scott PolacekSep 10, 2014

The Philadelphia Phillies have been out of contention in the National League East for a large portion of the 2014 season, but their 2015 outlook improved Wednesday.

Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reported that general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is confident that star pitcher Cliff Lee will return for the 2015 season.

Lee suffered a strained flexor-pronator tendon back in May and missed two months. He then tried to return but was lost for the remainder of the season when he reaggravated the same injury on July 31.

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WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 31: Cliff Lee #33 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 31, 2014 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images)

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For the season, Lee finished with a 4-5 record, 3.65 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, but he also sported a .304 batting average against.

Lee was examined by team physician Michael Ciccotti Monday and has been seen by James Andrews and David Altchek. Salisbury noted that the pitcher is currently resting his elbow at home but was treated with a platelet-rich injection and will start throwing in November.

Ideally, he will be ready to go by spring training if there are no complications.