A' s Devine starts season on DL

PHOENIX " Joey Devine will start the season on the disabled list because of a recurring elbow problem, leaving the Oakland Athletics without one of their two closers.

Devine, who had to come out of Monday's game because of elbow pain, said Tuesday morning he will see noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews next week.

While Devine is out, the A's will use right-hander Brad Ziegler as their lone closer.

Devine has had the same problem in his right elbow throughout the past few years, including a two-month stint on the DL last season. He missed about two weeks this spring. During his second big league exhibition game after his return, he said he felt more pain.

"It's been a roller coaster," he said. "I've have some ups but I've had more downs. I try to tell myself it will be fine, but there is only so much you can do. I've got to get it diagnosed and get it fixed. Whether that's sitting out and rehabbing it or going from there (to have surgery)."

Devine is 7-2 with a 2.48 ERA in 67 major league games. The 25-year-old right-hander was 6-1 with an 0.59 ERA in 42 innings last season, the lowest ERA in major league history for a pitcher with at least 25 innings.