Escobars situation worsens

March 26, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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Yesterday, we reported that Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher Kelvim Escobar experienced a setback in his rehabilitation. We even said that if its NOT to serious his return would be pushed back to June. Well guess what, things have gotten worse for him, much worse. It was finally revealed that Escobar had a tear in his shoulder and could possibly require season ending surgery. Even worse, it may end his career.

“I’m concerned, I don’t know what’s going to happen, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to pitch again,” said Escobar. “I’m still young. I’ll be 32 in two weeks, but retirement is getting into my head, because it’s hard to rehab. I want to be out there playing, and I’ve done everything I can do to be healthy.” When he says he’s done everything he can, Escobar has spent two months doing nothing but rehabilitation and strengthening of the shoulder. He’s going to try that for another two weeks and if that doesn’t work its off to see a specialist in New York. If surgery is required it could take him up to 10 months more of rehab.

In addition to the doubts in Escobar’s head, the team and doctors are also skeptical if he could return from surgery at his age. Recently, Mark Mulder and Bartolo Colon have had shoulder surgeries and neither has wound up anywhere close to form again. “This could be the end of my career,” Escobar said. “They’re not sure if I’d be able to come back after surgery.”

This doesn’t bode well for the Angels this season as they’re already missing John Lackey for the first month of the season, at least. Relief pitcher Scot Shields is also expected to start the season on the disabled list. Angels fans have to be very worried, cause yea this team could hit the hell out of the ball but there is no chance of making a deep run without something of a pitching staff. Especially, with renewed competition from the Seattle Mariners and their two-headed monster of Felix Hernandez and Erik Bedard. Things will be interesting in the American League West this year.