Weaver's impending return creating questions for Angels' rotation
Los Angeles Angels starter Jered Weaver is working his way back from left hip inflammation that put him on the disabled list in June. Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register reported that Weaver will throw a simulated game against live hitters on Saturday, which is considered a positive step in his comeback.
For what it's worth, Weaver and pitching coach Mike Butcher like what they're seeing from his pitching in his rehab efforts, as manager Mike Scioscia relayed to Fletcher: “Butch is definitely encouraged, and Jered was encouraged. Hopefully he’s finding that timing and rhythm that will give him that command.”
However, the Angels' rotation is doing well in Weaver's absence, with young lefty Andrew Heaney exceeding expectations in his last few outings and Hector Santiago emerging as a consistent middle-of-the-rotation guy.
What happens when Weaver's ready to return? Scioscia isn't quite sure yet, as he told Fletcher: “We’re not going to make any decision today. There will be factors we consider as we get through the break, but if a guy is pitching well for us, obviously you want to keep him in that role. We’ll see where we are in 10 days."
Scioscia did already say flat-out that a six-man rotation is not something he is envisioning for the Halos, since (he says) it would not 'be to our benefit' at this point in the season.
