Duchscherer Out For Season

According to the SF Chronicle, A’s pitcher Justin Duchscherer will undergo surgery and miss the rest of the 2010 season. Duchscherer has a congenital issues in his hips where the femur meets the joint. Duchscherer addressed the problem in his right hip, however, the left hip flared up this season and requires surgery. The expected recovery time is about six months, and for Duchscherer that is definitely good news. He should be ready by spring training, and should be able to catch on with a team for 2011. The A’s signed him to a one-year deal that was packed with heavy incentives, but Duchscherer was a risky signing from the start.

The A’s seemingly were aware of the risks involved with Duchscherer, but also knew what Duchscherer could bring to a relatively young starting rotation. Heading into the season, Duchscherer seemed healthy, and the prospect of having Ben Sheets and Duchscherer atop the rotation had many A’s fans excited. However, this latest setback for Duchscherer has probably sealed his fate with Oakland. I would find it extremely unlikely that the A’s would bring back Duchscherer back after this season. The A’s seem to have horrible luck when it comes to the team’s health, and it seems logical to just move on next season without Duchscherer. The A’s have talented young pitchers, and while Duke is talented, seeing the young pitchers develop and mature into legitimate major league starters should be the No.1 priority in Oakland.

The A’s will miss Duchscherer this season, but their young pitching staff that is anchored by the improving Sheets should be enough to keep the A’s around in the West.