Free-agent major league pitcher Rich Harden of Victoria will sacrifice his 2012 season for a hoped-for brighter future in the big leagues.

There was a reason why all that tightly-coiled pitching promise went largely unfulfilled — the 30-year-old pitched with a torn right shoulder capsule the last four seasons.

The Claremont Secondary graduate underwent surgery in Florida to have the shoulder repaired and will miss the upcoming season, but hopes to be back for 2013.

“I’ve been dealing with this for a while and it’s a pretty significant issue. It’s time to get it fixed,” said Harden, in a telephone interview Thursday from Arizona.

“It can’t possibly be worse than it was. I’m just hoping to have some fun again playing. It’s been tough.”

The injury occurred during a game in 2007. Harden said it was almost like having to relearn the game.

“It was like learning how to throw all over again,” said the Layritz Little League and Victoria Rockets B.C. Premier League product.

“Your body tries to protect itself. It affected not only velocity but also my command, feel and consistency. It was really hard to be consistent. And it was very frustrating.”

Initially, Harden looked to have had it figured out as he went 10-2 in 2008 with the Oakland A’s (5-1) and Chicago Cubs (5-1) with a combined 2.07 ERA.

But the injury was too stubborn and soon came back to impair his pitching. Worse, the torn shoulder capsule began leading to other arm ailments.

Harden was 4-4 last season in 15 starts for Oakland with a 5.12 ERA. In nine major league seasons with Oakland, the Cubs and Texas Rangers, the Victorian is

59-38 in wins-losses in 160 career starts and 170 appearances with an ERA of 3.76.

“I’m happy with the decision to get this [surgery] done,” he said. “It’s actually kind of a relief.”

Harden, who was also a hockey star at the Racquet Club of Victoria, got married in December and is also thinking about the repercussions away from the diamond when he has children.

“I want to be able to play with my kids and pick them up,” he said.

Harden said he will rehab in Arizona.

“There is a good chance I can come back,” he said. “Thirty-one [his age next season] is still pretty young for a free agent.”ꆱ