Duchscherer to have elbow surgery

Justin Duchscherer has been on the disabled list four times in the past three seasons. John Iacono/SI

PHOENIX (AP) -- Justin Duchscherer will have arthroscopic elbow surgery next week, likely causing the Oakland Athletics' two-time All-Star to miss at least the first month of the season.

Manager Bob Geren announced the surgery on Friday, but he said the team has not yet determined when or where Duchscherer will have the operation. He also said the A's won't know how long Duchscherer will be out until after the surgery. Typically, a pitcher would miss at least six weeks with an arthroscopic procedure on his elbow.

"Anytime you lose a guy it's disappointing, especially when the player is a possible No. 1 guy," Geren said.

The 31-year-old Duchscherer had been bothered by a sore elbow almost the entire spring. Last week he had two encouraging bullpen sessions, but when he tried to pitch in a minor league game on Thursday, he had to leave in the first inning because of elbow pain.

An All-Star in 2005 and 2008, Duchscherer was 10-8 with a 2.54 ERA. He missed the end of the season with a hip injury, his second stint on the disabled list of the year.

Without Duchscherer, the A's are likely to give the ball to Dallas Braden on opening night. The 25-yar-old Braden was 5-4 with a 4.14 ERA last year.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.