NEW YORK — Oakland Athletics reliever Joey Devine has had ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow, a procedure that usually requires at least one year of recovery.

The operation was performed Tuesday by Dr. James Andrews on Devine's ulnar collateral ligament. A's manager Bob Geren said Wednesday that it was replacement surgery but that he had not spoken with the pitcher.

Devine has been on the disabled list since the season started. He went 6-1 with a 0.59 ERA and one save last season, and struck out 49 with 15 walks in 42 games covering 45 2-3 innings.