The Angels will have more starters than rotation spots when Jered Weaver makes his return from left hip inflammation, but the decision about who gets the boot will wait for at least one week.
Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports that Weaver threw a 50-pitch simulated game Thursday during the team’s optional workout. The veteran right-hander is scheduled to throw another simulated game on Monday or Tuesday, which sets him up for a potential return next weekend against the Rangers.
Weaver was really struggling prior to landing on the disabled list last month, posting a 4.75 ERA over 16 starts with a career-low 4.6 K/9. He has allowed 16 home runs in just 96 2/3 innings. Still, he figures to slide right back into the rotation, which means that Matt Shoemaker (4.85 ERA) is likely the odd man out. Andrew Heaney owns a 1.32 ERA over four starts since replacing Weaver in the rotation, so he’s simply been too good to send back down to Triple-A.