The Los Angeles Angels received word on a few of their lefties, who continue to work their way back to game action following various injuries.
Manager Phil Nevin’s club has played middling baseball since late May, just enough to keep them in contention. Using an array of arms to supplement a depleted staff, including veteran Chris Devenski, who’s seen a solid workload since joining the team.
General manager Perry Minasian called up flame-throwing righty Ben Joyce, and he’s seemingly settled into a small bullpen role. Thankfully for Nevin, he received good news on two members of his staff, via Doug Padilla of the O.C. Register:
Left-handed reliever Matt Moore (oblique) is set to have another examination by the medical staff and could be close to starting a throwing program.
Losing Moore hurt the backend of the bullpen, especially with high-leverage spots before the ninth inning. The 33-year-old had posted a 1.44 ERA in 25 innings this season, with 21 strikeouts and a 0.80 WHIP.
In the starting rotation, José Suarez struggled mightily, and perhaps there’s something to him going down with a strain in his throwing shoulder.
Being out for this time could serve as a reset, as the Angels also work toward finding out why his introductory stretch to the season went south so fast:
Left-hander Jose Suarez (shoulder) is doing his rehab work at the team’s facility in Arizona but has not started throwing to hitters.
Moore seems to be closer to returning than Suarez, however, neither has a clear path with how tricky oblique injuries can be.
Anthony Rendon makes Angels return on Tuesday
Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon made his return to the starting lineup after missing nearly a month with a strain in his left groin. He went 0-for-2 with a walk against the Chicago Cubs on his 33rd birthday.
His reinsertion to the lineup is valuable to Nevin, as they’ll need his ability to drive in runs when in scoring position.
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