FORT WORTH, Texas — Free agent right-hander Ben Sheets could be headed for elbow surgery after contract negotiations with the Texas Rangers fell through because of the injury.

Texas had been discussing a two-year deal with Sheets, the NL starter in the All-Star game last season, a person familiar with the talks said Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal never was finalized.

A physical revealed that the torn flexor tendon Sheets sustained last season apparently has not healed, the person said.