Angel's Escobar Has Right Shoulder Tear, Surgery May Be Needed

Tempe, AZ (AHN) - Los Angeles Angels' right-hander Kelvim Escobar, told reporters Wednesday he has a tear in his right pitching shoulder which could end his career. He also said that a surgery is a possibility.

The 31-year-old right-hander, who had an 18-game winner last season for the Los Angeles Angels, had been throwing soft-toss for a week when he felt Saturday pain returning to the shoulder. A shoulder inflammation surfaced in September and Escobar has been out this spring after aggravating the shoulder in a workout in December.

The Angels hadn't confirmed that diagnosis by the end of Wednesday's 7-5 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Angels manager Mike Scioscia when asked about Escobar's shoulder issue said that he is holding out hope that Escobar might still pitch this season.

Escobar will try to strengthen the injured shoulder with workouts, although he did admit that surgery is still possible.

Escobar, who is in the second year of a three-year, $28.5 million contract, had an 18-7 with a 3.40 ERA last season.