Los Angeles Angels pitcher CJ Wilson has returned to throwing after being shut down with tendinitis in his shoulder. The starter is coming off of shoulder surgery, and reports have Wilson unlikely to be ready for Opening Day for the Angels.
Wilson was shut down after experiencing some shoulder soreness in late February. He had offseason shoulder surgery and was on schedule with his rehab work before suffering from the tendinitis. The Angels opted to shut down Wilson for a few days to help heal the shoulder, and he also got time off after leaving the team to be with his wife, who gave birth to a newborn daughter.
The 35-year-old is reportedly back in spring training with the Angels and has started throwing again. Wilson did not throw from a mound on Friday, but he was able to throw off of flat ground without any issues. He is considered to be "iffy" for Opening Day, and there is a chance that he could start the season on the disabled list. If that happens, expect either Matt Shoemaker or Nick Tropeano to take over his spot in the rotation until he can return.
"You're always concerned when a pitcher isn't quite where he should be, but these little setbacks are not uncommon," Manager Mike Scioscia said. "I think it's just a process of C.J. rehabbing his elbow."
Jeff Fletcher reports that Wilson is "more than a week" behind schedule in his rehab after being shut down with tendinitis. He could end up missing "a start or two" for the Angels to start the season before making his return. Wilson had surgery last year, which removed bone chips and spurs from his left elbow, ending his season in August.
"It's fairly normal," Wilson said. "Just like everybody else."
Wilson was having a solid season for the Angels before getting injured, posting an 8-8 with a 3.89 earned-run average in 132 innings pitched. This season is a big one for Wilson, as he is coming into the final year of a five-year, $77 million contract.
The Angels have solid depth in the starting rotation this year, and that could be a big help if Wilson has to miss any starts. Jered Weaver and Garrett Richards are the top starters for the team, and players like Tyler Skaggs, Andrew Heaney, Shoemaker and Tropeano could get some extra work if Wilson sits out.
