Scratch Jered Weaver from Friday night’s start against the Detroit Tigers.
An MRI on Wednesday revealed that the Angels' 16-game winner has tendinitis in his right shoulder. Dr. Lewis Yocum, the team orthopedist, also examined Weaver before the team announced the results of the MRI.
It’s unknown if the tendinitis is related to the line drive Weaver took off his shoulder last Sunday in Seattle. Either way, he won’t be available to pitch in the critical three-game series against the Tigers, who are among the contenders for a wild card in the American League.
The Angels said Weaver’s next start won’t be determined until this weekend, but it’s likely the team will wait to see how quickly he responds to treatment before deciding when he can return to the rotation.
Manager Mike Scioscia will move up his starters, although they’ll remain on their usual rest because of Thursday’s off day. Matchups for the series against the Tigers: Friday, Ervin Santana (8-11, 5.32 ERA) vs. Max Scherzer (15-6, 3.93); Saturday, C.J. Wilson (11-9, 3.85) vs. Justin Verlander (13-7, 2.73); Sunday, Zack Greinke (4-2,3.46 with Angels) vs. Anibal Sanchez (2-4, 4.50).
After the Detroit series, the Angels face the Oakland A’s four times next week in what is clearly their most important stretch of games this season. The A’s and the Baltimore Orioles are the current AL wild-card leaders, followed by Tampa Bay, the Angels and Detroit.
The Angels play 16 of their next 19 games at home but won’t face another wild-card contender after next week. That means they need to pick up ground now or hope they can continue winning while other teams falter in the closing weeks.
The loss of Weaver for any length of time could be difficult to overcome. The right-hander is second in the league in wins, fourth in ERA (2.86) and second in opponents’ batting average (.216). He already has been on the disabled list once this season (May 29 to June 20) because of a lower back strain and is 1-3 since Aug. 12.
The Angels have been encouraged by the recent performances of Wilson, Greinke and Haren, who have helped the team win 12 of its past 15 games, but Weaver is their ace and most dependable starter.
Even if they don’t have him this weekend, they’ll need him to remain in contention for the postseason.
