Orange County Register

TEMPE, Ariz.

Right-hander Kelvim Escobar will take the mound in a game situation for the first time in nearly nine months today. Escobar’s recovery from shoulder surgery last July will take another significant step forward when he pitches in a minor-league game. The expectation is for two innings, 30 to 40 pitches.

Closer Brian Fuentes is also scheduled to pitch in a minor-league game today. Fuentes’ progress this spring was hampered by back tightness and he has not been very effective in his four outings against major-league hitters (five runs on five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings) and the minor-league environment will allow him to “get more specific work in,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said, like trying to “get a better feel on his breaking ball.”

Meanwhile, right-hander Ervin Santana’s throwing program has progressed — slightly — beyond just playing catch every other day. Santana is now in the beginning stages of long toss, throwing at a distance up to 100 feet.

“It’s hard because everyone else is throwing and pitching in games,” Santana said. “I don’t like watching them throw when I can’t.”

Asked if he had experienced any pain in his elbow since re-starting his throwing program, Santana said, “No” then tapped his chest, pointed to the sky and mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

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