Andrew Bailey is investigating alternatives to season-ending shoulder surgery as he deals with "significant damage" to the joint.

"The only way to fix this is surgery -- 100 percent fix it," Bailey said. "This isn't going to heal on its own."

The surgery could sideline him for 12 months.

Bailey, 3-1 with a 3.77 ERA in 28 2/3 innings, would be the fourth reliever the Red Sox have lost to extended time this season.