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Justin Duchscherer out with depression

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Oakland pitcher Justin Duchscherer, out all season after surgery, will miss the rest with what his agent calls a very treatable form of clinical depression.

The ace right-hander, a two-time All-Star, had elbow surgery in March and also had been hindered by back problems.

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Team officials had said his problems were connected to what was called a "non-baseball-related" issue.

"He recently made the really difficult decision that he needs to put his career on hold for the time being and focus 100 percent of his efforts on his recovery," Damon Lapa said on the team's Web site late Friday. "I think he felt a tremendous sense of obligation, a tremendous desire to come pitch for the organization and get back up in Oakland and contribute."

Duchscherer went 10-8 with a 2.54 ERA in 22 starts (141 2/3 innings) in 2008, did not pitch this season, and will miss his scheduled rehab start this month.

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