Two of baseball's best pitchers won't be taking the mound anytime soon.
Roy Halladay and Jered Weaver wereboth placed on the 15-day disabled list but could be out much longer.
The situation looks much worse for Halladay, who has not been his usual dominating self this season. In his last start he exited after just two innings because of shoulder soreness. Further tests revealed a right latissimus dorsi strain. Although the injury won't require surgery, and there is no damage to his rotator cuff, Halladay will be out of action for six to eight weeks.
Halladay will not pitch at all for three weeks to allow the injury to heal. After that time, he will gradually work his way back until he is ready to rejoin the rotation.
It is another blow for a Phillies team that finds themselves in the unusual spot of bottom dwellers in the NL East, a division they have won the past five years. Injuries have been a huge factor in their poor season. The right side of their infield, All-Stars Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, has missed the entire season so far. Even so, the Phillies have been able to remain in striking distance of first-place Washington, who is just four games in front.
Weaver left his start on Tuesday after throwing just 12 pitches. He limped off the mound in considerable pain and was unable to remain in the game. Weaver was diagnosed with lower-back spasms and a strained muscle around a disk in his lower spine but is hopeful that he can return to the team shortly after he is eligible on June 12.
Unlike Halladay, Weaver has dominated this year, going 6-1 with a 2.61 ERA and is tied for second in the AL in victories. The Angels will miss Weaver as they too have gotten off to a rocky start. They are just a game over .500 and 5.5 games behind the reigning AL Champion Texas Rangers.
The Phillies recalled catcher Erik Kratz to take Halladay's spot on the roster but will need a pitcher to fill in the rotation. Possible candidates include former major leaguers Dave bush and Scott Elarton, who are currently pitching in Triple-A.
The Angels have called up 24-year-old pitcher Garrett Richards to fill in for Weaver.