Juan Rivera?

[AmericanShipbuilding]

Two days in a row he hasn't played? Any news on this guy? I can't afford to carry dead weight right now...

[devastor]

Mike Scarr, of LosAngeles.Angels.MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim OF Juan Rivera (hand) will be out at least three days with a strain in his left hand. He has been bothered by the strain for about two weeks, which is believed to be a recurrence of a previous injury.

Sucks huh!

[AmericanShipbuilding]

Ugh, you're not kidding. I'd drop him, but there's nothing on my wire right now to replace him with. Just hope he'll be back for the weekend (and starts hitting again!).

[johnsamo]

I heard he could play though it but Scioscia was hoping that the Angels can sweep the O's (they did) and maybe the BJs (or at least 2 of 3) without him so he can be healthier down the stretch when they have seven games against the A's. Unless the A's miraculously fold, the Angels are going to have demolish the A's in those two series and that's gonna take a healthy Rivera, not one who's 80% because he's been playing through the injury.

[tomkatt]

johnsamo, do ya think he'll play Friday?

[johnsamo]

DOubt it... a tough righty pitcher, GA or Willits will probably play elft, and the other or Curtis Pride will DH.

[johnsamo]

This weekend is the earliest I expect him back, and against a righty starter, Scioscia's got 3 decent lefty hitter options. It's Rivera's left hand that's hurt, and thats the hand you need for a power righty hitter, so as much as Scioscia can sit him till it's 100% or close, he will.

[tomkatt]

johnsamo, thanks for the info. It is appreciated.

[johnsamo]

Well, I was wrong... Juan is in there and hitting, good sign though. I heard he was smoking it in the batting cage today too.

[tomkatt]

Well, I was wrong... Juan is in there and hitting, good sign though. I heard he was smoking it in the batting cage today too.

I was surprised to see him in the lineup too. Little bit of rest must have done him some good.