The May 2, 2016 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes Daniel Nava getting back on the diamond in High-A, Matt Shoemaker getting optioned back to Triple-A, and more…
The Story: Daniel Nava will begin rehab assignment Monday; could return by Friday
MWAH Says: The 66ers are in San Bernardino through Thursday, so if you want to see Nava in action outside of Anaheim you have four chances to do so. If/when Nava returns to the team on Friday, it should be interesting to see who is moved to make room for him. Rafael Ortega has options left, but has been performing well. Ji-Man Choi seems the most likely candidate, but he’s a gamble. As a Rule 5 pick who was previously outrighted by his former team (Orioles), Choi does not have to go back to Baltimore if he’s DFA-ed. He can instead elect for free agency and re-sign on a minor-league deal, like Deolis Guerra did in March. There’s no way to guarantee he’ll re-sign, though, so it’s a risky move (if they want to keep him).
The Story: Matt Shoemaker optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake
MWAH Says: This move was a long time coming. Shame it took so many dreadful starts for the team to pull the plug. I wish I had hope that a couple weeks at elevation are all Shoemaker needs to rediscover his stuff, but even I’m not that optimistic. Best-case scenario here is that Tyler Skaggs is somehow ready to pitch five innings by the time the team needs a fifth starter on May 14 in Seattle. The most likely scenario? Shoemaker gets one more chance to stick in the rotation against a lineup that mashes righties. Not looking forward to that. Oh yeah, A.J. Achter was recalled to take Shoemaker’s roster spot.
The Story: Craig Gentry put on 15-day DL, retroactive to April 26
MWAH Says: Hard to be upset about this one. Gentry has just five hits in his first 34 at-bats, scoring just two runs. His replacement, Shane Robinson, meanwhile, tallied two hits and a walk in his Angels debut on Sunday, scoring three times. To make room for Robinson, C.J. Wilson was transferred to the 60-day DL.
The Story: Garrett Richards was dealing with dehydration and cramps Sunday
MWAH Says: Phew. Thought for sure it was yet another arm injury for an Angels starter when he didn’t come out for the fifth yesterday. Always be sure to drink lots and lots of fluids before (and while!) pitching on a hot day, kids.
The Story: Tyler Skaggs to have shoulder evaluated
MWAH Says: *SIGH* This is what I was expecting above with Richards. Skaggs missed one start supposedly with general fatigue, but that’s now morphed into tightness in his throwing shoulder a la C.J. Wilson. The best-case scenario here is that he just needs a few extra days to let some inflammation subside. I don’t even want to think about other scenarios.
The Story: Andrew Heaney to have PRP injection in throwing arm
MWAH Says: That’s a platelet-rich plasma injection, for the uninitiated. It’s supposed to help along the healing process for Heaney’s muscle strain, but will likely keep him out at least another six weeks nevertheless. This is probably the best bad news the Angels could have hoped for from the second opinion: no surgery needed, but regular rest/rehab will still take a while.
The Story: An update to Ryan Braun’s no-trade list
MWAH Says: Fortuitous timing on this one, with the Halos flying into Milwaukee today. Braun can reportedly block deals to every team but the Angels, Dodgers, Marlins, D’Backs, Padres, and Giants. Guess he wants to play (mostly) near the beach.
The Story: Sherman Johnson named Texas League Player of the Week
MWAH Says: The utility man is having a heck of a start to his 2016 season, batting .393/.507/.721 with four home runs and more walks (14) than strike outs (13) through 73 plate appearances. Think it’s safe to say he’s figured out Double-A pitching his second time through the Texas League. He hit just seven home runs in 591 plate appearances in 2015.
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