Escobar agrees that rest is best

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Kelvim Escobar has taken exception to what he considered kid-glove treatment by the Angels, voicing his displeasure in April and in previous seasons when he was put on the disabled list for what he thought were minor ailments.

Not this time.

The veteran right-hander, who was scratched from Saturday’s start because of shoulder inflammation, was tentatively scheduled to pitch tonight against the Texas Rangers.

But with the Angels clinching the American League West title Sunday, a full week before the end of the regular season, and Escobar scheduled to pitch Game 2 of the division series next week, the Angels decided to play it safe, pushing Escobar’s next start to Saturday against Oakland.

That will enable Escobar to build his stamina with two more bullpen sessions, today and Thursday, and the Angels to fold him into the rotation behind Game 1 playoff starter John Lackey, who will pitch Friday night in Oakland.

“I think this is the smartest thing to do for me and for the team,” said Escobar, who hasn’t pitched since Sept. 17, against Tampa Bay. “The thing is, if I was pitching [today] I don’t know when I would pitch again because we don’t know when the playoffs will start. I don’t know if taking a long break is going to [help]. . . .

“It’s better for me to take this little break now and keep doing my treatments and exercises and make sure I’m 100% pain-free, pitch in Oakland and go from there. That way, I don’t have to wait 10 days to pitch again.”

Escobar was a leading Cy Young Award candidate in late August, with a 15-6 record and 2.77 earned-run average, but he has given up 20 earned runs and 29 hits in 17 2/3 innings of his last four starts, for an ERA of 10.19. The shoulder flared up two starts ago in Baltimore.

But Escobar threw hard in the bullpen Sunday and said he has not experienced any setbacks. And he’s confident he’ll need only one start to be ready for the playoffs.

“I just want to go out there and feel good, feel healthy,” Escobar said. “The more time you get to recover, the better.”

Jered Weaver, who pitched Thursday against Seattle, would have been a logical choice to start tonight because he would be on regular rest, but Manager Mike Scioscia said he also wants to give Weaver a few extra days of rest this week.

Weaver experienced shoulder fatigue in early August, but Scioscia said the decision had nothing to do with physical issues. Weaver is expected to start Sunday at Oakland.

Vladimir Guerrero is assured of batting .300 with 25 home runs for the 10th straight season. Only one other player in baseball history has had a streak longer than eight, Hall of Fame member Lou Gehrig, who went 11 straight seasons (1927-37) with an average of .300 or more and at least 25 home runs.

Orlando Cabrera singled and scored in the fifth inning Monday, giving the shortstop a career-high 100 runs. Cabrera has also set a career high with 190 hits, and his 86 runs batted in are 10 short of his career high.

Fans will have a chance to win division series tickets and autographed items at a rally Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Angel Stadium. The free event will feature Angels alumni such as Tim Salmon, Chuck Finley, Jim Abbott and Bobby Grich, broadcasters Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler and the USC marching band. Gates open at 5 p.m.

--

[email protected]