Report: A's Closer Devine Out for Season

The worst-case scenario for Oakland's Joey Devine came true Tuesday when he underwent season-ending elbow surgery.

Short-term, the immediate consequence is that Brad Ziegler keeps the closer's job indefinitely. And although Ziegler went into Tuesday's game with a 2.57 ERA and gained fame last year by beginning his career with a 39-inning scoreless streak, he's not quite closer material.

A scout who saw Oakland recently said the A's bullpen "is not the same without Devine. I don't think Ziegler's a closer. He's a good trick guy for short stretches."

Ziegler's sidearm delivery makes him tough on right-handed hitters, but lefties have a .4267 slugging percentage against Ziegler over his brief career.