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Another pitcher injured? Say it isn’t so? Welp. It’s true. Closer Keynan Middleton had himself a great April before landing on the DL with elbow inflammation. As you can see from Jeff Fletcher’s tweet, Eduardo Paredes has been called back up to take his spot on the roster (but not the closer role).
#Angels placed Keynan Middleton on the DL with elbow inflammation. Eduardo Paredes is back.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) May 1, 2018
Should we be worried? Not a lot. Andrew Heaney recently had the “same” issue as he was shut down on March 19th due to elbow inflammation. Heaney returned to the mound on April 6th - 18 days post injury. He was back in the majors on April 13th. No one can say how long Middleton will really be out, but the closer role is now up for grabs with Cam Bedrosian and/or Justin Anderson the likely heir apparents for that gig.
Don’t be surprised if Justin Anderson is now the #Angels closer. #fantasytip
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) May 1, 2018
Anderson, who has been quite the success story early in this season, started his year at AA Mobile before moving up to Salt Lake after 3 appearances. It would be pretty awesome to see this kid go from Mobile to closer in less than a month.
Other pitching updates:
Matt Shoemaker began a throwing program on April 23rd but no updates on his readiness to return - or make a rehab start.
Parker Bridwell was placed on the AAA DL April 23rd with elbow inflammation.
Blake Wood was placed on the DL April 23rd with an elbow impingement.
JC Ramirez, Alex Meyer, and Nate Smith are out for the season due to surgery.