UPDATE: Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports that Wilson has been diagnosed with a left elbow impingement, which is “secondary to arthritis.” The southpaw just said that he’ll need surgery to clean out a bone spur, which is expected to end his season. That’s a blow for the Angels, but fortunately they have some depth in their rotation.
11:37 a.m. ET: Angels left-hander C.J. Wilson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday with what was termed as left elbow inflammation. However, this update from Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times doesn’t sound encouraging:
Been covering ball for 20 years, and believe this is a first: #Angels LHP CJ Wilson will announce his own MRI results tomorrow.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) August 1, 2015
It’s very unusual, if nothing else. The assumption was that Matt Shoemaker would be headed to bullpen when Jered Weaver returns from the disabled list, but he could end up keeping his rotation spot for the foreseeable future if Wilson’s injury turns out to be serious. Fortunately for the Angels, Shoemaker has pitched much better of late. He hasn’t allowed a run in his last two starts and owns a 2.01 ERA dating back to June 26.
After having his worst season as a starter in 2014, Wilson has bounced back this year with a 3.89 ERA and 110/46 K/BB ratio in 132 innings over 21 starts. The 34-year-old is under contract for $20 million in 2016.