OAKLAND, Calif. -- Oakland left-hander Felix Doubront will have Tommy John surgery to repair a torn elbow ligament, a blow to the Athletics' already thin rotation.
Doubront was examined by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Timothy Kremchek in Cincinnati on Monday. Surgery to reconstruct his ulnar collateral ligament was scheduled for Beacon Orthopedics in Cincinnati on Tuesday.
"Unfortunately that is the case," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "Felix made his mark here and I think he found a home for himself based on what he did last year, the versatility he brings us in any particular role we put him in. I feel bad for him."
Projected to be Oakland's fifth starter, the 28-year-old was injured during his final Cactus League appearance on April 2, when he left after one inning with elbow soreness. That ended a tough spring during which Doubront had a 5.82 ERA in six games.
Doubront went 3-3 with a 5.50 ERA in 16 games with Oakland and Toronto last year. He re-signed with the A's in December on a one-year, $2 million deal.
His loss weakens Oakland's pitching staff, which struggled in the spring. The A's had a 6.10 ERA, third-highest in the majors.
Melvin said that Eric Surkamp will remain Oakland's No. 5 starter for now. Surkamp, who labored in his first start against Seattle on April 8, is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.
"We feel like we can withstand it," Melvin said. "When you come in as the fifth guy, you have to perform. He knows that."
