Sunday, March 30, 2008

ANGELS PLACE FOUR PLAYERS ON 15-DAY DISABLED LIST


The Angels are not starting the season in the most ideal situation with two of their best starters and one of their best relievers on the disabled list. Hopefully, John Lackey will be back in the rotation in a couple of weeks. However, the futures of Kelvim Escobar and Scot Shields are much more in doubt. Escobar's career could be over, while the issues affecting Shields may be as much mental as physical.

ANAHEIM, CA - The Angels Saturday placed right-handed pitchers John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Scot Shields and Chris Bootcheck on the 15-day disabled list. The DL assignments are all retroactive to March 21. This announcement was made by General Manager Tony Reagins.

Lackey, 29, was placed on the disabled list due to a strained right triceps. This marks his first DL assignment of his career. Lackey made one Spring Training start, posting no record and a 5.40 ERA (1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO). He registered a 19-9 record with two complete game shutouts and an AL-best 3.01 ERA (224 IP – 75 ER) in 33 starts in 2007.

A native of Abilene, TX, Lackey was selected by the Angels in the second round of the 1999 free agent draft. He owns a lifetime record of 79-58 with 10 complete games, seven shutouts and a 3.82 ERA (1161.1 IP – 493 ER) in 183 games (182 starts).

Escobar, 31, was placed on the disabled list due to a torn right labrum. This marks the seventh tie he has been on the DL in his career. Escobar did not appear in Spring Training this season. He posted an 18-7 record with three complete games, one shutout and a 3.40 ERA (195.2 IP – 74 ER) in 30 starts in 2007.

A native of La Guaira, VZ, Escobar signed with the Angels as a free agent, Nov. 24, 2003. He owns a lifetime 101-90 record with 10 complete games, four shutouts, 59 saves and a 4.15 ERA (1502 IP – 693 ER) in 410 games (201 starts).

Shields, 32, was placed on the disabled list due to tightness in his right forearm. This marks the first time he has been on the DL in his career. Shields appeared in two Spring Training games, posting no record and an 18.00 ERA (2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 1 WP). He registered a 4-5 record with two saves and a 3.86 ERA (77 IP – 33 ER) in 71 appearances. Shields led the AL for the second straight season with 31 holds.

A native of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Shields was selected by the Angels in the 38th round of the 1997 free agent draft. He owns a lifetime 39-34 record with 16 saves and a 2.95 ERA (570 IP – 187 ER) in 364 games (14 starts). His 35 wins in relief are the most by an Angels’ reliever in club history.

Bootcheck, 29, was placed on the disabled list due to a strained left oblique muscle. This marks his second time on the DL in his career. Bootcheck appeared in one Spring Training game, posting no record and an 18.00 ERA (1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HB, 1 BB). He finished 3-3 with a 4.77 ERA (77.1 IP – 41 ER) in 51 games with the Angels in 2007.

A native of La Porte, IN, Bootcheck was selected by the Angels in the first round (20th pick) of the 2000 free agent draft. He owns a lifetime 3-6 record with one save and a 5.48 ERA (116.2 IP – 71 ER) in 67 games (3 starts).



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