Joe

Saunders

Saunders complained of shoulder discomfort after reporting to minor league camp and has not pitched this spring. GM Bill Stoneman declined to reveal a specific diagnosis, since Saunders is seeking a second opinion, but Stoneman said Angel medical director Lewis Yocum has recommended an intensive therapy program over surgery at this time.

Saunders will rehab the shoulder rather than undergo surgery. If rehab fails and he eventually needs surgery, not only would he miss all of this season, but he probably wouldn’t be ready for 2004.

Saunders, who was the Angels’ first-round pick in 2002, was 3-3 with a 3.46 ERA at Triple-A. He will be starting on just three days’ rest after pitching eight shutout innings Friday.

One and done for Saunders. At least his performance tonight might have moved him ahead of Chris Bootcheck for any future spot starts.

He left with a one-run lead, but he didn’t receive a decision after Francisco Rodriguez blew the save in the ninth. Saunders will likely go right back to Triple-A tomorrow, but tonight’s performance won’t hurt his chances of earning more starts in the future. Still, with Kelvim Escobar due back in early September, the Angels would prefer not to need Saunders as a starter again this year.

Saunders is making his major league debut tonight against the Blue Jays.

He’s yet to give up more than two earned runs in an outing, so Saunders is deserving of being owned in mixed leagues at the moment. That said, he’s probably not worth using in shallower formats against the Rangers at Arlington next week.

The Angels initially called up Greg Jones, but that move was made only to give them an extra arm in the bullpen until Saunders’ start.

Saunders has pitched very well in both of his opportunities to fill in, and he’d likely remain solid if given the chance. However, it looks like he might make just one more start before Bartolo Colon returns from the DL.

Saunders will get the start tonight in place of the injured Bartolo Colon. He’s worth using in AL-only leagues while he’s in the rotation.