Jered Weaver to DL; Angels Call Up Garrett Richards
By Editorial Staff
The Los Angeles Angels have placed staff ace Jered Weaver on their 15-day disabled list with a lower back injury. The Angels are not sure how long they will be without Weaver but believe his absence will only span one-to-three starts. To replace Weaver in their rotation, the Angels have called up right-hander Garrett Richards from Triple-A.
Weaver was forced to leave Monday’s start against the New York Yankees after throwing only 12 pitches. The Angels are still unsure of the severity of Weaver’s injury, though a MRI taken Tuesday did reveal a strain and inflammation in his lower back.
Weaver said that he’s hoping to only miss a single start due to the injury, but the Angels believe it could be more like two or three. In any case, LA doesn’t believe they will be without Weaver for more than a month.
Over his 11 starts this season, Weaver has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 2.61 and 0.928 with 7.4 SO/9 and 2.0 BB/9.
To replace Weaver in their rotation, the Angels have recalled 24-year-old right-hander Garrett Richards. Richards made his debut for the Angels last season, posting an ERA and WHIP of 5.79 and 1.643 over his seven appearances including three starts.
Richards has a career ERA and WHIP of 3.31 and 1.237 in the minors, though he’s gotten off to a slow start in Triple-A this season. Over his 10 starts, Richards has only managed an ERA and WHIP of 4.31 and 1.598.
It’s never good to lose a pitcher of Weaver’s caliber, but now seems to be especially poor timing considering the Angels recent hot streak. LA has won eight straight games to climb over the .500 mark and pull within 5 ½ games of the American League West leading Texas Rangers.
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