Angels Down Three Starting Pitchers

The Los Angeles Angels had the best record in baseball last season. Their 2009 baseball season hasn’t started quite as they would have liked. Starting pitcher John Lackey now joins Ervin Santana and Kelvim Escobar as starting pitchers who could be out until the middle of May.

John Lackey, Los Angeles Angels (Image: Newscom)

Lackey’s issue is a sore right elbow, however tests have been positive and the hurler isn’t expected to miss more than six weeks. Last season, the 30-year-old from Texas had a 12-5 record with an ERA of 3.75. A few sources close to the team indicate that Lackey could return as early as the last week of April.

A sore elbow is also slowing Santana. Though speculation persists that the native of the Dominican Republic may have to undergo surgery, both Santana and the team insist that he will be ready sooner rather than later. If all goes as planned, he could be back on the mound at some point in May.

The Venezualan Escobar is facing the most serious injury. He had surgery in August of last year on his shoulder and was expected to miss a majority of the 2009 campaign. The good news is that Escobar is already throwing and has been impressive. In fact, there is now hope that he could be back at some point within the next six weeks.

The Angels have enough pitching depth to survive until these three pitchers return, although the team won’t be a true championship contender until Lackey, Santana and Escobar prove to be healthy and ready to carry the load.