It's been a few years since Jered Weaver has pitched without some sort of fatigue or soreness. He never wanted to talk about it -- he never really even disclosed it to anyone other than the Angels' team trainers -- but it had more of an effect on the Halos' ace than most ever knew.
Weaver's workload increased to career-high levels in 2010 and 2011. He handled it and the numbers proved it, but he was wearing out. There was shoulder tightness and it wouldn't go away. By last season, he had changed his arm slot and his mechanics in attempt to alleviate the stress on his throwing shoulder. It wasn't ideal, but he knew that if he stayed persistent, he once again could regain his old form.
Saturday night, he pitched like the ace he once was and the ace he says he will continue to be in the Angels' 8-1 win over the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium.
"It's been a long process of just getting everything feeling good again," Weaver said. "The last couple years has been a grind for me with some shoulder tightness and stuff. I've been able to throw through it but wasn't throwing the ball like I knew I was capable of."
Weaver became the first American League pitcher to reach the 18-win mark, and he still has one more start to make. It's the third time in his career he's won 18 or more, and the only other Angel to do it three or more times was Nolan Ryan. It was Weaver's third straight win Saturday night, and his control and command have been remarkable through that stretch.
"It's fun to play behind him and fun to watch when he paints up," outfielder Mike Trout said. "He's just painting out there. He knows where he's throwing the ball and it's really fun to play behind him."
Saturday night, Weaver pitched into the eighth, giving up three earned on five hits and striking out seven, retiring 14 straight batters at one point. When Weaver, one of the longest-tenured Halos on the team, is on the hill, the Angels generally respond favorably: They've won 15 of his last 18 starts.
Weaver wins 18th game of season as Angels top Rangers
"That's what he's capable of doing," Trout said. "He gives us a good chance every time he goes out there and that's what you have an ace for."
As the Angels head into the postseason for the first time in five years, Weaver is looking more and more like his 2009 self and feeling that way as well. It's the right time of year for Weaver to heat up.
His arm is strong enough; his arm slot has moved back to its natural 3/4 slot; and he's finally throwing the ball with a comfort and confidence that he hasn't been able to throw with in years.
"Hopefully this is going to be something that he's going to maintain for a long time because this is fun to watch," Scioscia said. "I think he's going out there and he feels like he's got every tool to go out there and pitch at the level that we need him to pitch at."
"This is probably the best I've felt in about three or four years," Weaver said. "This whole year I've felt great. Obviously the velocity hasn't been there but like I said, it's been a process to get everything strengthened up and strengthened in the right areas to be able to go out there and through through nine innings or 100 pitches, or whatnot.
Hamilton unsure if he'll be healthy enough for Angels' postseason run
"It's been a process and this is a sign of moving in the right direction."
