Advertisement

Los Angeles Angels RHP Jared Weaver (neck) will see specialist

By The Sports Xchange
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver pitches to Seattle Mariners' Seth Smith in the third inning of season home opener April 6, 2015 at Safeco Field in Seattle. The Mariners beat the Angels 4-1. Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver pitches to Seattle Mariners' Seth Smith in the third inning of season home opener April 6, 2015 at Safeco Field in Seattle. The Mariners beat the Angels 4-1. Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo

Right-hander Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels is slated to see a spine specialist as he continues to struggle with issues in his neck.

Weaver, 33, was recently diagnosed with mild degenerative changes in his cervical spine and was scratched from his upcoming scheduled start on Monday.

Advertisement

Weaver has previously been examined by team doctors and he underwent an MRI exam on Thursday.

"We're going to meet whatever needs Jered has right now," Angels manager Mike Scioscia told reporters.

Weaver struggled in Wednesday's start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing three home runs in only 2 2/3 innings. His fastball topped out at only 81 mph and he again complained of neck soreness.

The soreness was still prevalent on Friday when Weaver met with reporters.

"(It is) neck tension that is causing me to not be able to throw the ball like I want to," Weaver said.

Weaver added that he has been dealing with neck soreness for years but "didn't think it had anything to do with the throwing motion."

Advertisement

The three-time All-Star had the poorest season of his 10-year career in 2015 when he went 7-12 with a 4.64 ERA. His velocity was noticeably down in comparison to past seasons.

Weaver, who will make $20 million this season, has a 138-81 career record with a 3.40 ERA and 1,495 strikeouts.

Latest Headlines