RF Vladimir Guerrero (right knee surgery) was eased into the spring training schedule but is expected to be at full strength for Opening Day.
OF Gary Matthews Jr. (left knee surgery) was expected to miss the first month of the season while recovering from surgery to repair the patellar tendon in his knee. But he is well ahead of schedule and is expected to be at full strength for the season opener.
RHP Kelvim Escobar (shoulder surgery) has made a rapid recovery from surgery to repair a torn labrum and is expected to rejoin the rotation by May 1.
RHP John Lackey (elbow inflammation) was shut down for the final week of spring training, but the injury is not considered significant.
RHP Ervin Santana (sprained elbow ligament) was shut down in the middle of spring training and re-started his throwing program. He is expected to miss at least the first month of the season.
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When the Angels were unable to re-sign Mark Teixeira this winter, the plan shifted to once again relying on their pitching staff to carry the load in 2009.
That plan has been taking hits all spring, and the Angels probably will head into the season with three starting pitchers on the disabled list -- John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Kelvim Escobar.
Lackey is the latest starter to come down with a physical ailment. He has been shut down because of inflammation in his right elbow.
The Angels are optimistic that all three starters will miss only a short period of time at the beginning of the season.
Escobar, in particular, has been the feel-good story of the spring. After surgery to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder last July, Escobar was expected to return some time around the All-Star break this season.
That window has been moved up by Escobar's rapid recovery, and he is expected to be in the rotation by May 1.
