Oakland A's rotation update: Felix Doubront has MRI, White Sox sign Miguel Gonzalez

Oakland A's No. 5 starter Felix Doubront underwent an MRI on Saturday after leaving the team's final spring training game after just one inning. While the severity of the injury is still unknown, we have some updates on the bigger picture.

On Doubront's injury

"[I]t's an issue that he's had before and, according to manager Bob Melvin, Doubront wasn't too concerned." - via Susan Slusser of the S.F. Chronicle

On the likely replacement, if needed

- "Sounds as if Hahn would be first choice if Doubront were to go on DL" - Slusser
- "If Doubront can't go Friday, Hahn is likely to start in his place. They're on same schedule." - Jane Lee, MLB.com
- "Bob Melvin, asked about Eric Surkamp as a sub for Felix Doubront if he goes on DL, pivots to possibility of Jesse Hahn." - John Hickey, Bay Area News Group
- "Team wouldn't need to make any move if Doubront were to go on DL untll later in week" - Slusser

On Eric Surkamp's future

"[Surkamp] has an out clause in his contract in June if he has an opportunity elsewhere, and he already is drawing interest from clubs in Asia, according to a major-league source." - Slusser

We've seen players hold these June opt-out clauses in the past, and they sometimes incentivize the A's to give them a chance early in the year. Brandon Moss, Sam Fuld, and Hideki Okajima come to mind. Note that Surkamp would have to be added to the 40-man roster in order to be called up, which would mean that another player would either have to be cut or transferred to the 60-day DL.

White Sox sign Miguel Gonzalez

Chicago won the sweepstakes for free agent starter Miguel Gonzalez, the team announced. The right-hander was released by the Orioles on Wednesday, and the White Sox nabbed him on a minor league deal. Their current rotation features Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon, Mat Latos, and John Danks, the first four of whom are expected to face the A's in the season-opening series beginning Monday.