On the 28th of May, Orange County Angels ace Jered Weaver started against the Yankees but came out after throwing only 12 pitches, because of a back injury. He hasn't pitched since, and while he's been out the Angels have gone 13-7 and fought their way back into the postseason hunt.
Still, they obviously want Weaver back. And now they're getting him, tonight. Greg Beacham (via MercuryNews.com):
Weaver is 6-1 with a 2.61 ERA, third-best in the AL. He has two complete games, including a no-hitter against Minnesota last month, and opponents are batting just .195 against him.
He wasn't surprised to hear he'll be on a pitch limit against the Giants.
--snip--
The Angels likely must drop one pitcher from their rotation when Weaver returns, but pitching on Wednesday will push back Scioscia's decision on the fate of rookie Garrett Richards and veteran Jerome Williams. Dan Haren, who had been scheduled to start Wednesday, now will open the Freeway Series against the Dodgers on Friday.
In Richards' three starts in place of Weaver, he's given up only three runs in 20 innings. But his record's not impeccable, as he's also issued 11 walks in those 20 innings.
Meanwhile, Williams has been just fair this season (6-5, 4.46) and was taken to the hospital, with breathing difficulties, after getting pulled from his last start.
Having six legitimate starting pitchers isn't a terrible thing, and everyone's likely to get a shot eventually. But in the short term, someone's going to be disappointed about losing a highly desirable job.