It’s a shame at times when a one-time superstar hangs on too long instead of going out at the top of his game.

Tom Glavine hasn’t had a great season this year, but he might not get the chance to be one of the guys that sticks around too long. He left his start Thursday against the Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning after his elbow began to stiffen. He was diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon and was placed on the disabled list.

He plans to have surgery to repair the tendon and hopes to come back next season but will hang it up for good if Dr. James Andrews determines he needs Tommy John ligament replacement surgery.

Glavine is 2-4 this year with a 5.54 ERA. Last year he was 13-8 with a 4.45 ERA. Prior to those two seasons, he had ERAs under 4.00 in 14 of 16 seasons and was among the top pitchers in the game. If it ends right here he finishes with 305 games, earned five 20 win seasons, pitched in five World Series (winning one), appeared in six All-Star Games (and was named to 10), won two Cy Young Awards, and became the oldest player in the game in 2007.

If it is over, a hearty congratulations to Glavine for 22 solid years.