Angels’ Kendrys Morales, Scott Kazmir stalled in comeback efforts
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Angels Manager Mike Scioscia is not optimistic the team will see first baseman Kendrys Morales or left-hander Scott Kazmir any time soon. Morales, out with a broken ankle since last May, returned to the Angels’ training camp in Arizona after being reexamined Wednesday by Dr. Phil Kwong, a foot and ankle specialist.
“I don’t think there’s much that we can do differently right now. Just have to be patient with this thing,” Scioscia said. “There’s a lot that’s healing in there with his ankle. And some parts are just very, very slow.”
Kazmir, who lasted just five outs in his only big-league start this season, has also seen his progress stalled. He last pitched Thursday in an extended spring training game in Arizona with mixed results.
“He threw some real good sliders and changeups,” Scioscia said of Kazmir’s Thursday outing. But “But the fastball command is something that has to keep moving forward.”
Kazmir will throw at least one more extended spring game before the Angels decide where to send him next.
The Angels had better news regarding infielder Maicer Izturis, who has been limited to pinch-hitting duties lately by a sore left hamstring. Scioscia said Izturis had a full workout Friday and is expected to play Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
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-- Kevin Baxter in St. Petersburg, Fla.