Image By: SD Dirk

As we all know, the Angels have had an incredible stream of bad luck to start the 2009 season.  This includes the tragic death of Nick Adenhardt, and the injuries of John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Vladimir Guerrero, Kelvim Escobar, and Dustin Moseley.  However, due to their incredible resilience, the coaching of Mike Scioscia, and a week division; the Angels have been able to remain above .500 and within a few games of the first place Texas Rangers.

Although it is amazing what the injury depleted Angels have been able to do, during the course of a long season, they will need some help.  The good news is the help is here.  Lackey and Santana are back in the rotation, Vlad is due back by the weekend after being sidelined for six weeks with a torn pectoral muscle, and Escobar is set to make a minor league rehab start at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga tonight against the Lake Elsinore Storm.  If all goes well, he will take Matt Palmer’s spot in the rotation.  However, if Palmer keeps pitching like he’s been (5-0 in 5 starts), Escobar will likely be used out of the bullpen when he returns.

With these welcomed returns and a starting rotation that consists of Lackey, Santana, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, and either Palmer or Escobar; there is no reason to think that the Angels won’t coast right into the playoffs.

By: Tony C