Texas Rangers slugger Prince Fielder is facing the prospect of season-ending neck surgery after an MRI revealed a herniated disk just above an area that was repaired two years ago.

Fielder and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo were placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday by the slumping AL West leaders, who had lost 12 of 16 games going into their game at the Los Angeles Angels.

Choo got an injection to help relieve lower-back discomfort.

General Manager Jon Daniels said Fielder on Monday reported having similar symptoms to those he felt before the 2014 surgery that limited him to 42 games in his first season with the Rangers. Fielder was feeling weakness and discomfort in his neck and left arm.

DODGERS: Manager Dave Roberts said surgery “is more of a possibility” for Clayton Kershaw after a setback with the herniated disk in his back, and left-hander Alex Wood will miss eight weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his elbow.

Kershaw has been out since June 27 because of mild disk herniation and felt discomfort after a throwing session on Saturday. Roberts said no doctors told him that surgery was more likely for the three-time National League Cy Young Award winner but inferred that based on the type of injury.

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Wood could be back in September after having loose bodies cleaned out of his elbow. Roberts said the calendar makes Wood’s return to the starting rotation unlikely but the 25-year-old might come out of the bullpen.

CUBS: Center fielder Dexter Fowler (hamstring injury) started a minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa.

DIAMONDBACKS: Zack Greinke is making slow progress in his return from injury, too slow for his liking.

“It would have been nice to be back a week ago,” he said Wednesday, his first public comments since he went on the disabled list July 3 with a left oblique strain.

REDS: Homer Bailey pitched 51/3 innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Louisville at Columbus, giving up five runs.


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