Ervin Santana bumped because of bump

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Ervin Santana skipped his scheduled start Tuesday after he bumped his elbow on some furniture in his Tempe residence, causing the bursa sac to swell. The swelling has subsided but the Angels said there was no point in rushing Santana since he can still pitch the innings he needs by making his final two scheduled starts. The first of those is scheduled for Sunday against Cleveland.

‘He’s fine. He’ll be all right,’ pitching coach Mike Butcher said, a sentiment echoed later by Manager Mike Scioscia.

Santana, who won 16 games and a spot on the American League All-Star team in 2008, slumped to 8-8 with a 5.03 ERA last season, when he made two trips to the disabled list with right elbow and foreman problems. The Angels said this week’s injury is not related to last year’s troubles.

Santana has made just two Cactus League starts, pitching five shutout innings. But he also pitched in a camp game last week, going 3 2/3 innings against a team of Giants’ minor-leaguers.

-- Kevin Baxter in Peoria, Ariz.