Angels Lackeying Starting Pitchers
You can add John Lackey to the growing list of disable Angels Starting Pitchers.
Lackey’s elbow has once again proven troublesome. He got a cortisone shot last week, but will spend some time on the shelf. Lackey owners shouldn’t be too alarmed. They say the injury isn’t as bad as last year’s. He didn’t pitch until mid-May and finished 12-5 with a 3.75 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 130 Ks in 163-1/3 Innings.
Also slated to miss the start of the season are Ervin Santana (elbow) and Kelvim Escobar (shoulder). Santana has been responding well to treatment and could be back in a month or so. Escobar is also doing well as the team brings him along at a steady pace. According to the L.A. Times, the Angels want to have Escobar on a 100-pitch count in a couple weeks and in the rotation by the end of April.
With the talented trio out of action, the Angels will lean on Nick Adenhart, Dustin Moseley and Shane Loux. The Angels face the Red Sox, Yankees, and Twins in April, which means their 2009 season may get off to a bumpy start.
