Escobar going to relieve?

[Mortician]

Is K. Escobar going to finish the season as a reliever, or will Santana be bumped out of the rotation?

[mweir145]

From what I've read he's set to start September 6th I believe.

Though, he could always have a setback or something.

From KFFL:

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim SP Kelvim Escobar (elbow) threw 34 pitches in a simulated game Friday, Aug. 19, utilizing his entire repertoire, according to Mike Scarr of Angels.MLB.com. He is expected to make a 45-pitch start for Triple-A Salt Lake Tuesday, Aug. 23. From there, he will progress to a 60-pitch start, followd by a 75-pitch start. If his rehab continues without any setbacks, he could be ready to return to the big leagues Tuesday, Sept. 6, against the Boston Red Sox.

[mweir145]

It doesn't specify whether he will be a starter, I'm sure hoping he will be one.

[zhutou]

i'm almost positive that he will be a reliever. the angels' starting 5 is set right now, with santana throwing well. this is the general consensus over on the angels board at mlb.com.

[bd3521]

RHP Kelvim Escobar, who has been on the 15-day DL since June 10 and is recovering from surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow, needed 43 pitches to get four outs in a rehabilitation outing at Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday night. "His fastball command was a little erratic, but the velocity was good," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia, adding Escobar would make at least two more rehab starts.
(Updated 08/25/2005).
FANTASY ANALYSIS
Escobar should be a candidate to return to the Angels rotation after Sept. 1. Rookie Ervin Santana could be a candidate to get pulled out, but nothing is certain at this point. Paul Byrd also might be pitching for his rotation spot. There is still some time for things to get sorted out.
More News

INJURY REPORT
Elbow - 15-day DL. On Triple-A rehab assignment. Out at least until Sept. 1
(Updated - 8/25/05)

[Secret Avatar]

I can't believe they'd bounce Santana. Have you seen his stats for the past six weeks or so? Better than they could ever hope for from Escobar, that's for sure.

[mweir145]

I can't believe they'd bounce Santana. Have you seen his stats for the past six weeks or so? Better than they could ever hope for from Escobar, that's for sure.

Escobar has pitched very well during his time actually playing this year.

[Secret Avatar]

"Escobar has pitched very well during his time actually playing this year."

I don't disagree, but Santana's stats over the last month are 2.45 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, and against some real slugging teams (Bosox, Yanks, etc.). That's MUCH better than anyone could hope from Escobar at this point.

[zhutou]

exactly. i don't see how they can demote anyone from the rotation at this point. escobar could be really valuable for the halos out of the bullpen; imagine the trifecta of shields, donnelly, and escobar. unstoppable.