Nick Tropeano Injury: Updates on Angels Pitcher's Elbow and Return

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Nick Tropeano left Monday's game against the Texas Rangers with right elbow soreness, and the timetable for his return is uncertain.  

Continue for updates.

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Tropeano to Undergo MRI on Elbow

Tuesday, July 19

Tropeano was lifted in the second inning of his start, and the team announced that it will know more about his ailment after he undergoes imaging Tuesday.

According to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, Tropeano felt discomfort in his elbow during warm-ups but attempted to pitch anyway.

When asked about the situation, manager Mike Scioscia expressed hope that Tropeano's injury won't be a long-term issue, per MLB.com's Fabian Ardaya:

"

Any time a pitcher obviously has some discomfort in the area of his elbow, you're naturally going to be concerned. We're just going to hope and pray that it's nothing significant. ...

With everything that's gone on with some of our pitchers, we hope this isn't going to be another big blow for us. We're just going take this one step, and hopefully Nick will be OK.

"

L.A. has dealt with a number of injuries to key starters this season, as both Andrew Heaney and C.J. Wilson are out for the season, while ace Garrett Richards could miss the remainder of the campaign as well.

The 25-year-old Tropeano has been the Angels' best and most consistent hurler, posting a 3-2 record to go along with a 3.56 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 68.1 innings.

He recently returned from the disabled list with a shoulder injury, but there is now fear of a return trip depending upon the severity of his elbow issue.

If Tropeano does require another DL stint, the Angels are likely to call up Tyler Skaggs, who is at the tail end of a rehab assignment in Triple-A.

Los Angeles could also move Jhoulys Chacin back into the rotation, but his previous struggles in that role forced him into the bullpen.

The 2016 season has been a nightmarish one for the Angels, as they are just 41-52 and have dealt with injuries to a number of key players.

Because of that, L.A. would be wise to play it safe with Tropeano, especially since he is a talented, young player who could very well be a big part of the team returning to prominence in 2017 and beyond.

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