Bronx, NY (My Sportsbook) - Boston Red Sox ace Curt Schilling will need surgery on his injured right ankle, but the team is hopeful that the All-Star will be able to pitch in Game 5 of the ALCS as originally planned.

Schilling was blasted for six runs on six hits over just three innings in Boston's 10-7 loss to the Yankees in Game 1 of the much-anticipated championship series. Schilling, who appeared to be in obvious pain during the game, walked two and struck out one in his shortest career playoff outing.

The dominant righthander has apparently been battling the injury for much of the season, but it has not been serious enough to keep him out of the rotation. However, Schilling aggravated the problem during his start against Anaheim in the American League Division Series.

According to Boston team physician Dr. Bill Morgan, "the tendon is snapping over the bone" and the sheath that is covering the tendon is torn.

Morgan also commented that if the injury occurred during the regular season, Schilling would have been placed on the disabled list.

Schilling will undergo surgery after the postseason and will need about three months to recover.

The 37-year-old Schilling pitched with a brace during Tuesday night's game and had a painkilling shot in the ankle. It still appeared, though, that he had trouble pushing off the rubber with his right leg.

The Red Sox are hoping that a stronger brace will help protect Schilling's ankle so he can pitch at full strength for the remainder of the playoffs.

Schilling is 6-2 with a 2.24 ERA all-time in the playoffs and has won nine of his past 11 starts dating back to the regular season (9-1).