NewsDuchscherer to begin throwing program
First rehab assignment in the Minors will be on July 26
By Mychael Urban / MLB.com
06/30/09 9:30 PM ET
OAKLAND -- Given that Justin Duchscherer hasn't pitched in a game that's mattered in any sort of standings since his 2008 season was cut short by a second hip injury that required surgery, any updates the A's have offered on their All-Star right-hander have been accompanied by subtle exasperation.That made Oakland manager Bob Geren's issuance of a timeline for Duchscherer's return to action -- in the Minors -- fairly big news.
The A's avoid health-related timelines like cats avoid water slides.
But there was Geren on Tuesday, telling the assembled shapers-of-public-perception that Duchscherer has been cleared to resume his throwing program and is scheduled to make his 2009 competitive debut with two innings of work on July 26 at a Minor League venue to be named later.
"If," Geren qualified, "everything goes perfect."
That's a sizable "if." Duchscherer's right elbow started bothering him after just a few Spring Training bullpen sessions. He underwent arthroscopic surgery in March and his return has been frequently stalled and occasionally shut down in the subsequent months -- by back pain.
Nonetheless, that Duchscherer was cleared to start throwing again qualifies as great news for the A's.
Geren wouldn't bite when someone went fishing for more substantial news, though.
Duchscherer was an All-Star last season in his first full year as a starter, but he's also been an All-Star setup man. The stated plan has been to bring him back as a starter, yet Geren gave the club some wiggle room when asked if that remained the plan.
"There are no plans other than to get him healthy and on the mound," said the skipper.
Duchscherer, 31, will be a free agent for the first time this winter.
Mychael Urban is a national writer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
