Angels place Heaney on DL, weaken already thin rotation

As if two lopsided loss to the Cubs to open the season weren’t enough bad news.

The Angels aounced on the eve of a four-game series against defending AL West champion Texas, that Andrew Heaney was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday due to a left flexor muscle strain.

Heaney complained of tightness in his left forearm, the Angels said, after Tuesday’s start against the Cubs. He experienced a slight decrease in velocity during the 6-1 loss in which he allowed four runs on seven hits in six iings.

Imaging performed Wednesday moing confirmed the initial diagnosis, according to a release, and “Heaney will be shut down from throwing in the immediate term in order to allow the muscle to calm down.”

The injury is of greater conce considering the uncertainties already facing the Angels starting rotation.

Hector Santiago will start Thursday’s series opener against Texas, Matt Shoemaker will start Friday and Garrett Richards on Saturday. Jered Weaver, who was bothered by neck stiffness during spring training, is only tentatively scheduled to start Sunday’s series finale against Texas.

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