Major League Baseball

Wilson, Weaver injuries give Angels rotation headaches

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:13 p.m. ET

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TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) The Los Angeles Angels might have to fill two holes in the starting rotation, with Jered Weaver seeng a spine specialist and C.J. Wilson suffering another setback with his troublesome shoulder.

Wilson struggled in a Saturday bullpen session, and manager Mike Scioscia said Monday it's uncertain when he'll return to the mound. Wilson will throw off flat ground this week.

''Probably back him off from the mound until he feels like he's ready to take that next step,'' Scioscia said. ''He's coming along a little slower.''

Wilson first experienced shoulder tendinitis three weeks ago. The left-hander was shut down in August to undergo surgery to remove chips and spurs from his elbow. He hasn't faced a hitter in spring training, making it unlikely he'll be ready for the start of regular season.

Weaver was back in Los Angeles to see doctors Monday - the day he was supposed to make his third start. The right-hander's velocity has dropped considerably amid health issues.

Weaver was hampered by hip pain a year ago, and said he went through an extensive offseason stretching program in hopes of loosening up his body. Weaver gave up three home runs in his last start with a fastball topping at 81 mph.

''Some guys are a little behind and we're seeing that,'' Scioscia said. ''But I think the prognosis for guys to get ready and be able to pitch the lion's share of the season is still good. But we have a little bit of depth that we might have to tap into.''

The news was better for lefty Tyler Skaggs, who threw live batting practice Monday, this first time he's faced hitters since Tommy John surgery.

And slugger Albert Pujols continues his rapid recovery from a November foot surgery. Scioscia said Pujols, who has only served as designated hitter, should play first base before the end of spring training.

''I feel good and hopefully I'm going to progress and try to get better,'' Pujols said. ''My target is to be ready for opening day.''

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