The Los Angeles Angels season hasn't even started yet and they are already dealing with some injuries to their pitching staff. Their high-prized free agent signing, Robert Stephenson, has been dealing with a shoulder injury that has sidelined him and now another pitcher will start the year on the injured list.
Right-hander Sam Bachman, who had surgery on his shoulder last fall, will begin on the injured list. He, however, is progressing well and is hopeful to return sooner rather than later.
Bachman is scheduled to be a starter for the Halos, so the team wants to be cautious in their approach to bringing him back. Right now, there is no timeline for his return.
Last season, Bachman threw 17 innings of work for the Angels. He posted an ERA of 3.11, struck out 14 batters and put up a WHIP of 1.65.
"Bachman said he’s thrown five bullpen sessions, getting up to about 30 pitches. He added his changeup in the last session, and expects to add his slider next time. Bachman said he’s expecting to throw live batting practice “soon.”"
The Halos are encouraged by his time with them last season and they are high on his upside. He is still just 24 years old, so there is plenty of time for him to continue improving his skillset.
“Just want to make sure these prerequisite steps are met because I want to be healthy all season,” Bachman said. “Don’t want to push anything.”
The hope is for him to return after ramping things up to give their pitching staff a boost. Bachman showed real promise in his debut last year and the Halos want to see what a larger sample size of his work looks like.
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