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Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Curt Schilling tips his hat to the crowd after being relieved in the sixth inning of game two of the World Series between the Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park in Boston on October 25, 2007. (UPI Photo/Matthew Healey)

The report said Schilling's career could be in jeopardy because of a shoulder problem that likely will require surgery.

Faced with the report, the World Champion Red Sox issued a statement Thursday that did not confirm or deny that Schilling, 41, might need to have the shoulder surgically repaired.

"Curt Schilling was examined by Red Sox doctors in January after he reported feeling right shoulder discomfort," the statement said. "Curt has started a program of rest, rehabilitation and shoulder strengthening in an attempt to return to pitching."

Schilling signed a one-year deal this winter that calls for him to earn $8 million with bonuses that could bring him an additional $2 million.

He went 9-8 in 24 starts last year with a 3.87 earned run average. Schilling was unbeaten in three playoff decisions.