Questions About Colon Key in Weaver Move

For a significant clue as to how Bartolo Colon is faring today, check the Angel Stadium radar gun -- if you can.

In his lone home start this season, the radar gun readings were not displayed on the scoreboard -- at Colon’s request, according to Angels spokesman Tim Mead. Colon gave up eight runs in two innings to the New York Yankees that day.

The Angels put him on the disabled list one week later, but the velocity he displayed in three minor league rehabilitation starts this month suggests he might not have fully recovered from the shoulder strain he suffered in October. Most of his fastballs ranged from 87 to 92 mph, down from the 95 mph he hit regularly last season en route to the Cy Young Award.

The uncertain condition of Colon appears to have figured more prominently in Friday’s decision to demote Jered Weaver than the possibility of a trade. Although a trade would resolve the problem of six starters for five spots, General Manager Bill Stoneman said Saturday he was not close to any trade involving a starting pitcher.

If Colon shows he can be effective, the Angels would have a surplus starter available.

“There’s a huge question with Bartolo,” Manager Mike Scioscia said.

Weaver will pitch today for triple-A Salt Lake, keeping him on the same schedule as Colon. Stoneman said the decision to demote Weaver was “probably the hardest decision I’ve had in my seven years here.”

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In his fifth game since returning from the disabled list, outfielder Darin Erstad got hurt again.

Erstad left Saturday’s game because of recurring irritation in his right ankle. He is trying to play despite bone spurs, a bruise and deterioration within the ankle. At this point, Scioscia said, the Angels have no plans to put Erstad back on the disabled list.

Erstad said he expected the discomfort to flare on occasion all season. With the Angels playing in National League stadiums this week, he said he expected to be limited to serving as a defensive replacement and perhaps a pinch-runner.

Does he believe he is helping the team, given his condition?

“I guess we’ll see this week, in a different role, if I can help or not,” he said. “We’ll play it by ear. It’s going to be difficult. It’s better than the alternative, put it that way.”

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Outfielder Vladimir Guerrero met with Scioscia behind closed doors before the game, at which time Scioscia informed Guerrero he would not play Saturday. Guerrero is hitting .162 in his last nine games, with six hits and no walks. He has drawn one walk this month and saw five pitches in his four at-bats Friday.

“I think, mentally, he just needs a day to sit and watch,” Scioscia said.

With Guerrero sitting, rookie Kendry Morales batted cleanup for the first time. Morales was hitless in four at-bats, including two strikeouts. He is hitting .138 in his last eight games, with four hits in 29 at-bats.

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Outfielder Juan Rivera left the clubhouse wearing a protective sleeve on his right arm, where he was hit by a pitch. He also “tweaked” an ankle while running the bases, Scioscia said.