Kazmir scratched from Cubs game

PHOENIX - The Oakland Athletics scratched left-hander Scott Kazmir from their spring game against the Chicago Cubs on Monday due to left triceps stiffness.

Brandon Moss and Nick Punto then had two hits apiece as Oakland went on to a 6-2 victory over the Cubs' split-squad.

Kazmir's injury isn't believed to be serious, but he did see an orthopedist. Manager Bob Melvin said he will wait to see how Kazmir looks Tuesday before deciding when he'll pitch again.

It was part of a difficult day for Oakland, which lost pitcher Jarrod Parker for the season. The promising right-hander will have elbow ligament replacement surgery next week after an MRI in Florida determined the need for the operation.

"Obviously in this situation, the first thing is you feel bad for Jarrod," assistant general manager David Forst said. "He worked hard this offseason after having some struggles at the end of the year and was hoping to be at the top of the rotation this year."

Parker had a 10.61 ERA in three spring training starts.

Cubs starting pitcher James McDonald threw two pitches and had to leave with right shoulder soreness. McDonald's second pitch to Coco Crisp sailed over Crisp's head to the backstop, prompting a visit from manager Rick Renteria and a trainer.

"He was shaking his arm so we went out there just to talk to him, and he just felt like his arm wasn't feeling right," Renteria said. "So we're not taking any chances."

Joe Savery, who had made five relief appearances without a start this spring, took Kazmir's place and shut out the Cubs on two hits in two innings. He struck out five and walked one.

Melvin said Savery is in the mix to make the major league club as a reliever.

The injury to Parker means the A's rotation appears set for opening day, with Kazmir (if his injury is not serious), Sonny Gray, Jesse Chavez, Dan Straily and Tommy Milone.

Moss scored two runs against the Cubs, and Punto had two RBIs.

McDonald's spring ERA is 12.71. He has eight walks and no strikeouts in 5 2-3 innings. Renteria wouldn't address the chance that McDonald won't be in the club's starting rotation, saying he wants to make sure McDonald is OK first.