Doug Davis Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer

Doug Davis is such a stabilizing workhorse that he will even pitch through thyroid cancer. Davis will make two regular season starts before he undergoes surgery and treatment.

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced that left-handed pitcher Doug Davis has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and will begin treatment after undergoing surgery on April 10. Davis will make his scheduled start on Friday in an exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field and then make his first two starts during the regular season.

"Our thoughts are with Doug and his family through this time," said D-backs executive vice president and general manager Josh Byrnes. "We are encouraged by the early prognosis from our medical staff. As an organization, we will support Doug to the best of our ability to ensure a full recovery and a return to the playing field."

Davis compiled a 13-12 record and 4.25 ERA in his first season with the D-backs last year, after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in a six-player trade. He is 75-75 with a 4.34 ERA in 229 games (209 starts) during his nine-year Major League career with the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers and D-backs.