ANAHEIM -- Casey Kotchman made his first appearance in the Angels clubhouse in months, finally rid of all side effects from a bout with mononucleosis.
The Opening Day first baseman has dealt with dizzy spells and fatigue in an elongated battle with the virus. He attempted to rejoin the team in July, but a rehab assignment was stopped short after three games when Kotchman felt lightheaded.
"This was a pretty significant thing, it knocked him for a loop, no doubt about that," manager Mike Scioscia said. "If you saw Casey this summer, how much he struggled, he looks a little different now, and that's good news."
Now the attention turns to next season, when Scioscia said, "barring any other unforeseen issues," Kotchman should be ready for Spring Training.
Kotchman met with Scioscia, general manager Bill Stoneman and trainer Ned Bergert to discuss his offseason workout regimen. The tentative plan is for Kotchman to be ready to play winter ball around November, likely in the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico.
The 23-year-old has been running and lifting weights at his Florida home during the past two months but has only gone as far as playing catch baseball-wise. He's going to continue to work out at his home and begin more aggressive baseball activities in order to be ready for winter ball.
"I've got everything right now -- except being in baseball shape," Kotchman said.
The Angels ran a comprehensive series of blood tests on Wednesday to make sure Kotchman is completely rid of the virus and any other problems. Results were not yet made available.
Kotchman's absence left a hole at first base that the Angels were never truly able to fill. He went from batting .421 with a team-high 15 RBIs during the spring to a .152 clip in 29 games once the season began and has been on the DL ever since.
If the first baseman were around all summer, the Angels might still have postseason aspirations. For Kotchman, it was just tough not being able to contribute toward his team's goal.
"It was hard watching my teammates play and not being a part of it," he said. "But I'm also encouraged by getting better and feeling better."
Time to Fish: Tim Salmon, who is playing in the final homestand of his 15-year career with the Angels, got the start as designated hitter on Wednesday, batted third and homered in his first at-bat.
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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim : News : Los Angeles Angels News
Notes: Kotchman looking to offseason
Notes: Kotchman looking to offseason
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