LOS ANGELES – Angels pitcher Jered Weaver had a successful bullpen session Tuesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, making it likely he’ll be back in the rotation by late next week during the team’s nine-game home stand.
Although manager Mike Scioscia wouldn’t be pinned down on when Weaver might be activated from the 15-day disabled list, the right-hander said he threw 55 pitches and had no problems. If his lower back feels no effects from the session on Wednesday, the next step will be a simulated game Friday.
“Bullpen went great,” Weaver said. “I kind of took it easy at the beginning and then let some go toward the end and threw all my pitches. I came out of real well, and we’ll see how it feels tomorrow.”
Scioscia said right-hander Garrett Richards, who took Weaver’s spot in the rotation, might get another start although he was noncommittal. “There are some things we’re going to wait on,” he said. “Most likely it would be one more (start).”
The Angels did not announce their starters for a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks starting Friday at Angel Stadium, but the next three in the rotation are Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and Richards. Santana has struggled in his past four starts, giving up 23 earned runs in 20 1/3 innings.
The Angels called up pitcher David Pauley from the minors on Tuesday and sent outfielder Kole Calhoun to Triple-A Salt Lake. Scioscia said the moves were made because the bullpen was used extensively in three games and Colorado, working eight innings in the series against the Rockies.
“We have some guys that have thrown a lot,” he said. “The Colorado series took a lot of innings out of our bullpen. We just need some coverage down there. Plus, Kole needs to play, so it serves a couple of purposes.”
In another move, the team transferred outfielder Vernon Wells (right thumb) to the 60-day DL.
