It looks like the season is coming to a close for Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Kelvin Escobar. I know its hard to say its coming to a close when it hasn’t even started yet. Escobar has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Escobar decided to go the rehab route instead of surgery, and the team was becoming optimistic that he would be able to return after the All-Star break in a relief capacity. Unfortunately after two minor league starts the pitcher has experienced a setback.

The shoulder injury is officially a torn labrum, which you could sometimes get away with by strengthening your shoulder. This is what Escobar tried to do. A couple days after his second start, Escobar attempted to throw and had to stop before he threw the ball 10 times because of the extreme pain. Kelvim has been making the rounds getting his shoulder examined, first by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles and then New York Mets orthopedist David Altchek. Nothing new was found but its appearing that surgery will be the only way to get his arm right again.

“Whatever was there in the last exam is still there,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “It will be Escobar’s decision and we’re going to support it. It’s a little disappointing. He’s worked very hard to get to this point. [But] if surgery’s the only thing that’s going to get him back to where he needs to be, then it’s obviously something he’s going to need to look at.”

Escobar’s agent Peter Greenberg has declined to commit to surgery just yet thou. The player and agent would first like to talk with General Manager Tony Reagins before officially coming to a decision. Waiting this long for surgery, he’ll most likely be sidelined for up to a year.

While this does hurt the Angels, I don’t believe this will have any effect on them in their fight for a playoff berth. The team is already 6 games ahead of the Oakland Athletics in the American League West, so there is a nice cushion there. Their pitching staff as a whole, starters and relievers, has been pretty solid which leaves the team not much need for another pitcher. Escobar would of wound up being just an extra arm. Those are always nice to have but not critical. My guess, the Angels will be just fine and Escobar should take all the time he needs in getting ready for next season.

Been to Angels game yet this year? The summer is heating up and the big name teams are coming to town soon, including two visits from the New York Yankees. Maybe it’s time to get some tickets and head out to the ballgame.

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