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Weaver excels in rehab start
Jered Weaver took a big step in his recovery Wednesday, tossing 5⅓ innings of one-run ball in an extended spring training game, and could be back in the Angels' rotation next week, reports Kevin Baxter of the LA Times.
The right-hander threw 75 pitches overall (62 for strikes), fanning nine batters and walking none in his first real(ish) action since fracturing his non-throwing elbow on April 7. Next on the docket for Weaver is an extended bullpen session this weekend in Kansas City, which may be followed by his reinsertion into the rotation when the club returns to Southern California next week.
When Weaver does return, it's likely he'll bump the struggling Joe Blanton into the bullpen.
Madson suffers another setback
Ryan Madson was slated to move his rehab assignment to Triple-A Salt Lake this week, but the inflammation in his elbow resulting from his inning of work at Single-A last Monday never subsided, leading to another delay in his recovery, reports Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.
The right-hander's road to recovery from Tommy John surgery has been a long one, and it doesn't appear to be ending any time soon. Madson threw just six pitches in his stint with the Inland Empire affiliate but has been shut down for over a week as a result. Just goes to show that not all TJS recoveries are the same.
Bourjos nearing rehab
Peter Bourjos is hopeful that he can begin a rehab assignment before the month ends, adds Baxter. The Angels' speedy center fielder has been sidelined since April 30 with a hamstring strain, and was expected to sit for six weeks. If he's able to stick to that timeline, he should be back on the field by the second week of June.
Bourjos was excelling in his new role as the club's leadoff hitter prior to his injury, batting .313/.370/.458 in 96 plate appearances through the club's first 25 games. JB Shuck has taken over in the outfield in Bourjos' absence, and has played rather well.
