The Philadelphia Phillies backed away from a multiyear agreement with free-agent reliever Joe Borowski because of concerns over Borowski's shoulder after the pitcher took a physical, several baseball sources told ESPN.com.
According to the sources, the Phillies were prepared to sign Borowski when a team doctor examined the results of the physical and advised against giving the pitcher a multiyear contract.
Borowski's agents, Ron Shapiro and Michael Maas, continue to field one-year offers from several clubs. It's believed they haven't ruled out resuming negotiations with Philadelphia.
Borowski, 35, saved 36 games this season for the Florida Marlins and is considered one of the top relievers on this winter's free-agent market. The Phillies, who are set with Tom Gordon as closer, regard Borowski as an eighth-inning setup man and closer insurance in the event of an injury to Gordon.
Borowski has a career record of 17-26 with 80 saves in 10 seasons with Baltimore, Atlanta, the Yankees, Cubs, Devil Rays and Marlins.
He struggled with shoulder problems for much of the 2004 season before rebounding with Tampa Bay in 2005 and going 3-3 with a 3.75 ERA in 72 appearances with Florida in 2006.
ESPN Insider Keith Law contributed to this report.