Angels closer Brian Fuentes recorded a save in the season opener. He hasn't pitched since, and while the Angels also haven't had a save situation since then, the reason Fuentes has been out is because he strained his back lifting weights on April 6th. More than a week later, the team has finally decided to put him on the DL.
Wonky Back Forces Brian Fuentes To The Disabled List
NEW YORK -- The Angels have placed closer Brian Fuentes on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 6, making him eligible to return on April 21, when the Angels will host the Tigers.
Fuentes said he "tweaked" a mid-back muscle on his left side on April 6 after making a save in the season opener the day before. The left-hander has not pitched since the Halos' opener but feels he is mending and should be ready when he's eligible to come off the DL.
It isn’t a major injury, and Fuentes suggests that he’s feeling a lot better than he did after getting hurt. In that regard, it’s little but a minor setback. On the other hand, Fuentes has battled through back problems for the better part of his career, so this is cause for a little concern, as the team doesn’t want anything to linger. Even a freak injury can lead to recurring discomfort.
Fuentes should be back in a week, or soon after. In the meantime, Fernando Rodney will assume whatever closing duties might come up. To fill Fuentes' spot in the bullpen, the Angels have promoted 27 year old righty Francisco Rodriguez from AAA Salt Lake. It's a different Francisco Rodriguez.
Read the Angels fan reaction at Halos Heaven.
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