CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Tug McGraw was diagnosed with brain cancer and doctors were trying to determine if they could operate, a source close to the former star pitcher told The Associated Press on Friday.

The doctors found at least two tumors and were doing additional tests to confirm the diagnosis, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The diagnosis of cancer was confirmed by a second source close to McGraw, also on condition of anonymity. Unnamed sources also told the Philadelphia Daily News that two tumors were found.

"This reminds you how short life is,'' said Phillies manager Larry Bowa, who would not give details of McGraw's condition. "He was in the clubhouse a couple days ago and now he's in intensive care.''

McGraw and Bowa played together on Philadelphia's championship team in 1980.

The 58-year-old McGraw was taken to Morton Plant Hospital on Wednesday night and underwent neurological tests, said team officials, who refused to disclose more details. The team said McGraw's family would provide additional information.

One of the sources said McGraw would be transferred to a hospital in Tampa later Friday night or Saturday.

McGraw helped the New York Mets and Phillies win World Series titles during his 20-year career in the major leagues. He has been a special spring training instructor for the Philadelphia Phillies the last two years.

McGraw's son, country music star Tim McGraw, was scheduled to take batting practice with the Phillies before Friday's game against Pittsburgh, but the session was canceled.

McGraw was 96-92 with a 3.14 ERA and 180 saves in his career. He pitched for the Mets from 1965 to 1974 and the Phillies from 1975 to 1984.