OAKLAND -- Losing Bartolo Colon for most of the 2006 season allowed the organization to explore its pitching depth, and the findings were positive.
A pair of rookies, Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders, are a combined 17-5 this season, which has helped the club to partly bridge the gap caused by the loss of Colon. But getting the 2005 Cy Young winner back in the rotation is a priority.
The veteran right-hander is currently rehabbing in Arizona as he tries to recover from a partially torn rotator cuff and will be examined this week by team orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum to assess progress. The Angels remain cautiously optimistic that Colon will be ready for next season, but he is not likely to pick up a ball anytime soon.
"Throwing will be the next step in his progression, but there will be a lot of steps before he is ready to pitch in a Major League game," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We feel that he will be very close next spring, but we will know more about his schedule when we find out more about how he feels."
Colon suffered a small tear at the back of his shoulder last October, and he chose rehab over surgery but did most of his conditioning and strengthening work back in his home in the Dominican Republic. The Angels will allow Colon to return home for a visit this winter but will have him return to Arizona to begin his mound work.
"Once he starts to throw we will want to get him back in a rehab and controlled environment," Scioscia said.
Colon went 1-5 with a 5.11 ERA in 10 starts this season.
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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim : News : Los Angeles Angels News
Notes: Colon's healthy return a priority
Notes: Colon's healthy return a priority
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