Justin Duchscherer underwent successful hip surgery Friday.

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun referred to the procedure as "more of a cleanup," adding that Duchscherer still hopes to pitch next season, "but (it) won't be for (the) Orioles." It was the fourth procedure he's had on the hip, making the 33-year-old's career totally up in the air.

Justin Duchscherer will undergo hip surgery Thursday.

It will be the fourth hip procedure of Duchscherer's career and will put an end to his hopes of pitching this season. The 33-year-old right-hander told reporters that he hopes to continue his playing career in 2012. He was released by the Orioles on Tuesday.

Orioles released RHP Justin Duchscherer.

A hip specialist told Duchscherer back in mid-July that he would require yet another surgical procedure, putting an end to his 2011 season. The 33-year-old right-hander did not make an appearance for the O's after signing a one-year, $700,000 contract.

Dr. Thomas Byrd has recommended another hip surgery for Justin Duchscherer.

Duchscherer has already had three hip surgeries in the past, so this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. The oft-injured right-hander will consult with Orioles orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens before making a decision.

Justin Duchscherer (hip) met with Orioles' orthopedist John Wilckens on Monday.

Orioles president Andy MacPhail said there was no change in his status. Duchscherer is still experiencing discomfort in his hip and there's no timetable for his return.

Justin Duchscherer (hip) will visit the Orioles orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens on July 11.

Duchscherer has been shut down since mid-May after experiencing more problems with his chronic hip. We should know after the visit when he'll be able to begin throwing again. His status is totally up in the air.

Justin Duchscherer was shut down in the first inning of an extended spring training game Thursday due to hip discomfort.

Duchscherer was expected to throw 60-70 pitches, but he left after feeling discomfort while fielding a bunt from the very first batter. Extended spring training ends with the start of the Gulf Coast League schedule next week, so the status of Duchscherer's rehab is very much up in the air. One thing we do know is that he won't be pitching for the Orioles in the near future.

Justin Duchscherer (hip) threw four innings in extended spring training Thursday.

Duchscherer will try to complete five innings in his next outing. He's making slow and steady progress now, but the Orioles haven't indicated when he could begin an official minor league rehab assignment.

Justin Duchscherer (hip) will throw a 35-pitch side session in Sarasota either Thursday or Friday.

That's progress, we think. Duchscherer was scratched from an appearance in extended spring training last week and there's no clear timetable for when he'll try again.

Justin Duchscherer (hip) threw two innings Friday in an extended spring training game.

Duchscherer threw 26 pitches, 23 of them for strikes. Assuming he bounces back from Friday's outing OK, he will be stretched out to three innings in his next appearance. The O's haven't announced when he'll go out on a minor league rehab assignment, but it's probably not far away.

Justin Duchscherer (hip) had a successful bullpen session Wednesday and is scheduled for a two-inning simulated game Friday.

Duchscherer has been making progress, but the O's have understandably taken is extra slow with him. If the simulated game goes well, we'd have to think a rehab assignment is just around the corner.

Justin Duchscherer (hip) threw a 30-pitch live batting practice session Saturday.

It's the first time he's been able to do so in several weeks. Duchscherer said afterward that he felt great and he plans on doing the same thing again Tuesday. It's not clear at this point when he might go on a rehab assignment.

Justin Duchscherer (hip) is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Saturday.

Duchscherer has been throwing off a mound for a couple of weeks now and should do fine in the live weekend workout. He isn't eligible to return until the end of May.

Justin Duchscherer (hip) has been throwing off a mound for a couple of weeks.

Duchscherer was transferred to the 60-day disabled list last week and isn't eligible to return until late May. Therefore he won't head out on a minor league rehab assignment for at least another week or two.

Orioles transferred RHP Justin Duchscherer to the 60-day disabled list.

Duchscherer is just now restarting his throwing program and won't be ready until late May. The move allows the Orioles to clear a 40-man roster spot.

Justin Duchscherer (hip) will resume throwing on Monday.

He received a pain-killing injection on Wednesday, and it apparently did the trick. Duchscherer has been on the disabled list since Opening Day, and the Orioles have yet to establish a timetable for his return. Mid-May is likely the best case scenario.

Justin Duchscherer will receive a guided injection in his left hip Wednesday.

Duchscherer began the season on the disabled list due to lingering issues with his surgically-repaired hip. He threw at the team's spring training facility on Tuesday, but there's no current timetable for his return.

Justin Duchscherer underwent an ablation procedure on his back Thursday.

The procedure involves the closing of nerve endings and is designed to drive away pain. Duchscherer was able to throw from 90 feet soon after and is still on track to return to the major leagues sometime in early May.

Justin Duchscherer (back) played catch Sunday and felt "pretty good," according to O's manager Buck Showalter.

Duchscherer is scheduled to undergo an ablation on his lower back in the next couple of days to alleviate some of the discomfort he's been feeling. If that does the trick, he may be able to return by early May.

Justin Duchscherer will have an ablation on his lower back.

The procedure, which helps close nerve endings, is something he's had before. It's expected to shut the right-hander down for 4-5 days. Duchscherer should still be on track to return sometime in May if he doesn't have any setbacks, which is far from a given with him.