Kelvim Escobar's Injury Setback

For those hoping that Kelvim Escobar would come back sooner than later, it looks like your prayers have gone unanswered.

Escobar was diagnosed with inflammation in his pitching shoulder back in September, and he has yet to pitch a game in spring training.

Escobar had recently begun doing some light throwing, but now it appears that he is suffering from "renewed discomfort" and his recovery date "will certainly be pushed back now, possibly into June."

This is not good news for Escobar owners, as Escobar is certain to deal with injury throughout the year, and at best will give his owners half a season. Chris Neault at The Disabled List Informer now projects Escobar to finish with numbers around 13 starts, 80 innings pitched, six wins, and 65 K's.

To Jonathan, manager of the Dinos and Escobar owner, my condolences. Not to rub it in, but I suspected that your rotation of Escobar, Tim Lincecum, Ben Sheets, Oliver Perez, Dontrelle Willis, Chris Carpenter, and Mark Prior would be risky at best. Time to hit the waiver wire.

*Update* LA Times reports that Escobar has shoulder tear, "an injury that could require season-ending surgery and, possibly, end his career."