NEW YORK -- The decimated Angels rotation could get a huge boost in as soon as two weeks with the returns of John Lackey and Ervin Santana.Manager Mike Scioscia said Thursday each pitcher will make at least two Triple-A starts, with the first coming Monday for Santana and Tuesday for Lackey -- about 60 pitches each. That would put them on schedule for a big-league return May 14-15, if the Angels decide those two starts are enough. Scioscia said "that's a possibility" because the Angels could carry an extra reliever and not ask the two recovering pitchers to go too deep.
Or Santana and Lackey could make three Triple-A starts and return May 19-20 (assuming no setbacks).
Lackey threw about 45 pitches Thursday in extended spring training and told Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher he "really felt strong," according to Scioscia. Santana reported he felt good after a similar workload Wednesday.
Santana has been out because of an elbow injury and Lackey a sore forearm.
With those two hurt, the death of Nick Adenhart and injuries to Dustin Moseley and Darren Oliver, the Angels have already used eight starters, most in the majors and one more than they needed all last season.
