Last July, our very own Matt Tolich wrote that Kelvim Escobar would be out for the remainder of the season and possibly be unable to return until July of 2009. Well, Escobar is on mission to prove Matt and every other Angels beat reporter wrong. Just when it seemed as if he would miss a huge chunk of the 2009 season, it appears as if Escobar might in fact be back in the Halos’ rotation before May 1st. A truly remarkable recovery, considering that many had forecasted his return to be sometime around the All-Star break.
Earlier today, Mike Scioscia talked to the media about the timetable for Escobar’s return for the first time all spring.
“If the progression goes like we anticipate, he’ll be in our rotation before May 1.”
“He feels great. Threw all his pitches, did well and came out of it great today. There’s normal stiffness in the right spots — your back, your legs. The normal things you have to step into.”
Scioscia went on to say that Escobar would get ”stretched out” during a minor-league injury-rehabilitation assignment during the first half of April and be ready by to join the club “the third week in April.
His return would be a much needed relief for the Angels, who will be without their All-Star pitcher Ervin Santana until mid-May. Just two seasons ago, Escobar was two wins shy of that magical 20 win plateau and posted an ERA of 3.40. If he is able to replicate his 2007 form and Santana returns from his injury on schedule; the Angels could easily have the best starting rotation in all of baseball.
Tags: Ervin Santana, Kelvim Escobar
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I think we are all glad to be wrong on our Escobar forecast.