This was, however, proved to be the zenith of his career, as Vuckovich had been battling shoulder pain for two seasons, and in spring training of , it was discovered that he had torn his rotator cuff. Vuckovich skipped surgery in favor of an exercise rehabilitation. He attempted an unsuccessful comeback for three games and went 0-2 in 14 innings, then missed all of 1984. Subsequent and prolonged comeback attempts all failed, and by the end of the season, Milwaukee released Vuckovich.