ANAHEIM -- With the Angels eliminated from postseason contention, they decided to hold Kelvim Escobar from his final start of the season.
"He's done enough this year, and he's banged up, so there's no sense putting him out there," manager Mike Scioscia said.
Instead, rookie Dustin Moseley will pitch on Sunday. The right-hander won the first start of his career back in July, allowing four runs in five innings against the Indians.
Escobar has dealt with shoulder problems and soreness in his knee at times this year and, while the veteran said he was healthy enough to pitch, figures it's better to play it safe.
"It was a long year for me, so I don't think it's worth it," Escobar said. "Now I can let my knee heal."
Matters might have been different if Escobar could have pitched more than just 1 2/3 innings in his last start. One of the veteran's goals this year was to throw 200 innings and, with 189 1/3 thus far, Escobar was on track to do so if he had gone at least six innings on Tuesday.
Considering Escobar had surgery last season in June and returned in September to pitch from the bullpen, it's impressive he was able to even think about reaching the 200-inning plateau. It's also good news for the Angels, who invested $28.5 million in a three-year contract extension for Escobar earlier this year.
"I never thought I would make 30-plus starts after surgery," said Escobar, who pitched the second-most innings of his career this year.
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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim : News : Los Angeles Angels News
Notes: Escobar shut down for season
Notes: Escobar shut down for season
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