PHOENIX — Oakland Athletics starter Justin Duchscherer will miss the start of the season because of a setback in his rehabilitation from an elbow injury.

Duchscherer had to stop playing long toss on Saturday morning because of persistent pain in his right elbow. He was given a cortisone injection and he won't be able to touch a baseball until at least Tuesday.

The two-time All-Star said he would not have enough time to build up his pitch count to start the season in the A's rotation.

The A's considered putting Duchscherer in the bullpen to start the year. Duchscherer said he wouldn't object to a temporary bullpen assignment.

He had surgery in the offseason to correct a hip problem.