"A's closer Andrew Bailey left Monday's game against the Cleveland Indians with an injury to his right elbow and forearm.
The severity is unknown, but Bailey is scheduled to fly to Birmingham, Ala., and be examined Tuesday by orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews.
Taking into account Bailey's history of elbow trouble, it's a potentially major blow for the A's and their two-time All-Star reliever.
With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Bailey threw a pitch to Ezequiel Carrera and then grabbed his elbow. The right-hander exited the game and immediately left Goodyear Ballpark with A's head trainer Nick Paparesta.
A team spokesperson announced Bailey was experiencing "elbow soreness," though A's manager Bob Geren described it after the game as tightness in the forearm.
Later in the day, Bailey said in a text message that he had pain in both his elbow and forearm.
"I don't really know what's going on," Bailey said. "All I know is I'm seeing Dr. Andrews and will have more information after that."
Bailey underwent elbow ligament replacement (or "Tommy John") surgery in 2004 while at Wagner College and made a full recovery, winning American League Rookie of the Year honors in 2009.
He was shut down last September when he had surgery, performed by Andrews, to clear out bone chips and spurs in the elbow. It was characterized as a minor procedure, and the A's were extra cautious in bringing Bailey along this spring.
He didn't make his exhibition debut until Thursday against Kansas City, throwing a 1-2-3 inning. Monday's outing was his second.
"All I know is being that I've had (Tommy John surgery) before, it didn't feel the same," Bailey said of Monday's injury. "But obviously, that's what I first thought when I felt it. I'm hoping it's not too serious."
Geren was asked how concerned he was.
"Any time you see somebody leave a game with tightness, it's concerning," Geren said. "But we're going to reserve judgment until he gets checked out.""
