Athletics' Mike Fiers out at least another four weeks, doesn't need surgery

Oakland Athletics right-handed starting pitcher Mike Fiers cannot get right as spring turns to summer. 

Ahead of Thursday's game at the Texas Rangers, Oakland manager Bob Melvin told reporters that Fiers likely won't throw for at least another four weeks after receiving an injection to help him recover from the sprained right elbow that's already kept him sidelined for over a month. The 36-year-old began the season on the injured list because of a lumbar strain and then returned to the IL after making only his second start of the year on May 6 but does not require surgery after meeting with Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday due to continued discomfort. 

Fiers surrendered eight earned runs in 9.1 innings of work before his latest setback. 

"Nothing structural as far as needing surgery at this point, but he will get a PRP injection and then probably no-throw for up to four weeks," Melvin explained, per The Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "So it's going to be a while before he even starts playing catch again." 

Melvin added that four weeks is "probably on the conservative side." 

Oakland defeated Texas 5-1 on Thursday to improve to 46-31 on the season. The A's trail the first-place Houston Astros in the American League West standings by one-and-a-half games immediately following that result.