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Oakland Athletics’ Rotation Dwindling: Gray Scratched From Start, Doubront Lands on DL

By Samantha Riley

Mar 29, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Athletics’ Opening Day starter Sonny Gray was scratched while No. 5 starter Felix Doubront landed on the 15-day disabled list

The Oakland Athletics’ 2016 season is not off to a good start. With already shallow starting rotation depth, two of the A’s pitchers will not be able to make their starts this week. Opening Day starter Sonny Gray was scratched from Monday night’s start while Felix Doubront was placed on the disabled list.

Gray will not pitch on Monday night due to food poisoning. Gray is no stranger to this type of illness, having been hospitalized for salmonella back in the summer of 2015. Last year, his food poisoning caused him to miss an entire week, so let’s hope that this bout will not last as long.

Doubront started the final Bay Bridge series game for the A’s on Saturday, but was pulled from the mound after just one inning due to elbow tightness. After an MRI, it was revealed that Doubront has an elbow sprain. The Oakland Athletics are being extra cautious with Doubront because this type of injury could lead to Tommy John surgery.

So, who will now start for the Oakland Athletics? As it pertains to Opening Day, Rich Hill will make his Oakland debut as he takes over Gray on Monday night. When it comes to the No. 5 starter, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle predicts that lefty Eric Surkamp will take over Doubront’s spot in the rotation.

Surkamp came into Saturday’s game after Doubront was take out and did a superb job. He went seven innings, struck out seven, and only gave up two hits. Additionally, he ended spring with a 2-1 record and a 3.60 ERA, which was the best among Oakland starters.

Next: A's Opening Day Throwback

With the Oakland Athletics’ limited starting pitching depth, they need to be very careful as to who they choose to fill vacant spots in the rotation. The A’s really only have Jesse Hahn and prospect Sean Manaea left in the minor leagues to potentially join the rotation if needed. Our fingers are crossed that the starting five incurs no more injuries or illnesses!