Weaver set to return to Angels' rotation Wednesday
The Los Angeles Angels are about to get their ace back.
Jered Weaver will come off the disabled list and rejoin the rotation Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants. Weaver will be limited to between 80 and 90 pitches in his first start since leaving the May 28 game against the Yankees with a back strain.
"It has been a long, little trek here," Weaver said of the three-week stay on the DL. "It's long enough sitting out four days in between starts, and I'm champing at the bit to get back out there. It's exciting to know that it's close."
Weaver threw approximately 60 pitches in a simulated game Friday, then a normal between-starts bullpen session Sunday as a final test. The Angels considered sending him on a minor league rehab assignment, "but we didn't want him to waste bullets in the minor leagues," manager Mike Scioscia said. Instead, Weaver will be on a pitch limit Wednesday that should be enough for five or six innings, according to Scioscia.
Dan Haren was scheduled to start Wednesday but will now get two extra days rest before starting Friday against the Dodgers. He could use it. Haren has allowed nine runs on 18 hits (including five home runs) in 11 2/3 innings over his past two starts -- although one was in the difficult environment of Coors Field.
Beyond that, however, the rotation is "evolving," according to Scioscia, with multiple scenarios in play.
Jerome Williams' situation complicates matters. Williams lasted just 3 1/3 innings Monday in the Angels' 5-3 loss to the Giants, then was taken to a local hospital with breathing difficulties. Off days Thursday and next Monday give the Angels flexibility to skip his next start if necessary. Garrett Richards has also pitched well in Weaver's absence, and he could stay around longer if Williams is going to be unavailable for an extended period.
