Duchscherer being treated for clinical depression

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Justin Duchscherer’s(notes) agent says the Oakland Athletics right-hander won’t pitch this season so he can concentrate on his treatment for depression.

Duchscherer has been out all year after undergoing right elbow surgery in March. He made the All-Star team as a reliever in 2005 and a starter last season.

Damon Lapa, Duchscherer’s agent, held a conference call Friday and said the pitcher has been dealing with depression for some time.

A’s starter Dallas Braden(notes) said he had no clue that Duchscherer was having any problems.

“After every game I pitched he’d text me, calling me ‘Ace’ and saying something about the game,” Braden said. “He’s been a mainstay on this team, one of the leaders, and that was his way to tell us he was thinking about us.”

Lapa indicated that Duchscherer made his decision in the last day or two.

“He felt a tremendous sense of obligation; a desire to pitch for Oakland and contribute,” Lapa said. “Trying to balance that and trying to balance his recovery and dealing with his issues, it just became too much.”

Duchscherer was in the process of returning to the major leagues. He had made three rehab starts and then missed an assignment.

“First of all, your thoughts are with his family,” Braden said. “That’s his biggest support. We all hope he is OK. Confidence is absolutely something you have to own to pitch at this level. When you start to second guess yourself, things spin.”

A’s infielder Bobby Crosby(notes) has not spoken to Duchscherer since spring training.

“That’s rough. The guy has been through a lot as far as injuries,” Crosby said. “You hope he gets better, gets his mind right and puts pitching aside for now. He’s always upbeat and fun to be around.”

Duchscherer had season-ending injuries the past two years with hip and back problems. He’s been on the disabled list four times in the last three years.

He was 10-8 with a 2.54 ERA in 22 tries last season, but 0-3 in his final seven starts.

“He’s a great guy with a bright future,” Braden said. “He’s always been a realist and never gotten too far ahead of himself. He’s always the guy who takes things as they come.”