C.J. Wilson passes strength test, could return to Angels in a month

C.J. Wilson’s ailing shoulder passed the strength test on Saturday that cleared him to begin a throwing program in Arizona when the Angels go on the road Monday. Wilson won’t be ready to pitch in a major league game for at least a month.

“Unless he can get some strong long toss in and he’s repeating it to build some stamina in his arm, make sure the range of motion is there and everything he needs,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “Then we’ll consider putting him on a mound. But we’re a ways away. We’re not even close to talking about him getting off a mound.” Continue reading “C.J. Wilson passes strength test, could return to Angels in a month” »

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Kole Calhoun awarded Gold Glove, Angels’ first in five years

Kole Calhoun was awarded a Gold Glove before Saturday’s game, making him the first Angel to be honored as the best fielder at his position in the AL since shortstop Erick Aybar in 2011.

Calhoun posted a .989 fielding percentage last season, ranking him second among AL right fielders. He ranked first with six defensive runs saved and a 13.8 ultimate zone rating.

Calhoun is the first Angels outfielder to win a Gold Glove since Torii Hunter won the award as a center fielder in 2008 and 2009.

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C.J. Wilson could be cleared to begin throwing on Saturday

C.J. Wilson’s shoulder will be reevaluated on Saturday in the hopes that he can begin a throwing program. The Angels starting pitcher is hoping to receive “A-plus” results on a strength test he was given a “B-plus” for earlier this week.

A key component in the Angels starting rotation since 2011, Wilson hasn’t pitched since surgery on his left elbow in August. He believes his elbow problems led to the shoulder issue that halted his throwing regimen during spring training. Once Wilson begins throwing, he isn’t expected to pitch in a major league game for at least a month.

After his first start of the season, pitcher Andrew Heaney joined Wilson on the disabled list Wednesday with a strained flexor muscle in his pitching arm.

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Simmons honored as MLB’s best defensive player in 2015

Andrelton Simmons was honored as baseball’s best defensive player in 2015 prior to the series opener against Texas when he received the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award.

Simmons, who was acquired in a November trade that sent Erick Aybar and two top pitching prospects to the Braves, won gold gloves in 2013 and 2014. Unlike the gold glove award, which is voted on by managers and coaches, the award Simmons received Thursday is based on sabermetrics.

Last season for the Braves, Simmons led NL shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved, Ultimate Zone Rating and FanGraphs’ Defensive Runs Above Average.

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