Injury-Bug continues to bite the Angels

Just when the Angels are looking to turn the corner, as the currently ride a four game winning streak, it appears as if the injury-bug has a different plan. In the past 48 hours, it has been revealed the Scot Shields will miss the remainder of the year and Ervin Santana is expected to miss his next start, tonight against San Francisco.

Shields told the media on Sunday that he had indeed decided to undergo season-ending surgery on his troublesome left knee. Shields, who has arguably been one of the best setup men in all of baseball these past few seasons with a 3.11 ERA, said it was “something I feel I have to do to come back 100% next year.” Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Angels’ medical director, will perform the operation sometime today.

With everything considered, Shields really had no choice in the matter. Before heading to the DL on May 27, Shields had been having a rough start to the season with a 1-3 record and 6.62 ERA. Playing hurt and in intense pain would not have helped his performance at all, and in fact, it would only have been hurting the ball club. So by opting for surgery, Shields at least allows himself to be productive in the coming seasons.

While Santana’s prognosis is much better than that of Shields, it isn’t all peaches and cream. According to the Los Angeles Times, Santana has been scratched from tonight’s start against the Giants due to tightness in the area below his right elbow. Santana, who has been feeling discomfort while throwing his fastball, underwent an MRI test and is awaiting the results.

Even though he is expected to miss just one start, it is quite possible that it could severely impact his performance. So far this year, Santana is 1-3 with a 7.47 ERA, and recently had a dismal outing on Thursday, giving up six runs in 4 2/3 innings in the Angels’ 11-1 loss at Tampa Bay. I find it highly unlikely that he is able to improve upon a horrid start if he is continuously plauged by injuries.

All Angel fans can do right now is hope for the best.