PHOENIX -- Left-hander Doug Davis had surgery for thyroid cancer Thursday, two days after pitching the Arizona Diamondbacks to a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Davis had insisted on making his two scheduled starts before the operation to remove his thyroid gland. He said before the surgery he was optimistic about his recovery, and that he expects to be sidelined only four to six weeks.
"The surgery that was completed this evening by Dr. Bob Evani was very successful," team physician Dr. Michael Lee said. "Doug is awake and doing well. The only complaints he had was a mild sore throat, which is expected. He will likely be released [Friday] and will begin follow up treatments at that point."
Davis (1-1) lasted just 3 2/3 innings in his season opener against the Cincinnati Reds, giving up three runs on four hits and six walks.
He allowed six hits and a pair of walks in picking up a win over the Dodgers five nights later, leaving to a standing ovation. Davis tipped his cap to the crowd, then came out of the dugout for a curtain call as the ovation continued.
"I just felt like I wanted to go out there and do well because I'm going to have a month off," Davis said afterward. "I leave on a good note, that was the key. A quality start, that's what I take the most pride in. It was definitely emotional coming off the field, for sure."