ANAHEIM, Calif. — Angels pitcher Jered Weaver took another significant step forward in his rehab from a broken left elbow, throwing 75 pitches in an extended spring training game on Wednesday at Scottsdale, Ariz.
Facing Colorado’s extended spring team, Weaver gave up one run and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. He threw 62 strikes, did not walk a batter and struck out nine.
The Angels want to see how Weaver feels coming out of the start before deciding their next step. Weaver is scheduled to join the team Thursday in Kansas City for the start of a four-game trip.
“We have to look at Weave, see where he is, let him throw his bullpen (session) and see if he needs more work in a rehab setting or if he’s ready to get after it with us,” Scioscia said.
Weaver hasn’t pitched in a game since suffering the injury to his non-throwing arm on April 7 at Texas. Last Friday, he threw a 60-pitch, four-inning simulated game at Angel Stadium.
“The best case is that we’re going to fold him back into our rotation at some point next week,” Scioscia said. “But we’ve got a lot of things we have to work through before we make that decision.”
One factor might involve right-hander Joe Blanton, who is 0-7 with a 6.62 ERA. Blanton, who has given up more hits than any pitcher in the majors, is the Angels’ scheduled starter Thursday in Kansas City. Another poor performance could force the Angels to move him to the bullpen, opening a spot for Weaver to pitch Tuesday against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
