FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling says he's following the team's advice to work his shoulder back into shape, rather than have surgery.

Schilling's doctor has said the team's prescription of rehabilitating the shoulder won't work. Dr. Craig Morgan said surgery is the only way Schilling can return this year.

But if Schilling follows Morgan's advice the team could void his $8 million contract under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

The 41-year-old Schilling said Monday he knows if he doesn't pitch this year, he may never pitch again.