Duchscherer then flew to Los Angeles to see Dr. Lewis Yocum, who agreed with the A's medical staff that Duchscherer needs to take more time off, and Yocum prescribed a more heavy-duty anti-inflammatory.

Duchscherer said he'll throw again Monday and if he feels good, he believes he can get ready quickly, perhaps in time for Opening Night April 6.

However, if he still has problems with the elbow, there is a chance that the team will consider moving Duchscherer back to the bullpen, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, potentially deeming that the best way to limit his frequent injuries.

If Duchscherer cannot pitch Opening Night, Dana Eveland or Sean Gallagher would be the two top possibilities. The A's will need five starters that first week of the season, and if Duchscherer isn't available, two of the pitchers vying to be the fifth starter will open the season in the rotation.

Non-roster right-handers Jerome Williams and Edgar Gonzalez are in the mix along with rookie left-handers Josh Outman and Gio Gonzalez.

There is a slim chance the team would consider one of its hotshot young starters, Vin Mazzaro, Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson, but it's more likely the team would wait until June to bring any of them up.