Angels’ CJ Wilson needs surgery, may not pitch for rest of season

As if losing four straight, includeng a sweep at the hands of the now-first-place Astros, wasn’t bad enough for the Angels (55-47; two games back in the AL West), it now appears they’ll be without a key member of the rotation.

Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times adds Wilson has been pitching with spurs in his elbow since April and surgery is likely because his range of motion has “diminished”. An MRI revealed left elbow impingement and surgery is a realistic option because the bone spurs in his elbow have expanded, Wilson told Gonzalez.

It’s very unusual, if nothing else.

The Los Angeles Angels placed starting pitcher C.J.

Wilson is enjoying a bounce-back season with a 3.89 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 21 starts. The assumption was that Matt Shoemaker would be headed to bullpen when Jered Weaver returns from the disabled list, but he could end up keeping his rotation spot for the foreseeable future if Wilson’s injury turns out to be serious. He posted a 4.51 ERA last season, the highest of his career since becoming a starter. According to Baseball-Reference, Wilson is due $20 million in 2016.