May 18, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Bobby Wilson (46) reacts after starting pitcher Jered Weaver (not pictured) singled to lead off the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park.: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

In the off season Jerry Dipoto effectively put an end to Mike Scioscia’s addiction that was playing Jeff  Mathis. As the saying goes:  ”you can only help someone who wants to help themselves”. So wisely Dipoto just took the ability to use Mathis away from Scioscia. You cant play what you cant see. Since Chris Ianetta went on the disabled list ( on May 11th) Mike Scioscia has found a new crazy drug –  its called Bobby Wilson. In 33 games Wilson has put up numbers that would even make Jeff Mathis laugh at him .167/.224/.167 . Yes that is right kids –  the batting average matches the slugging PCT. For those of you who still drink Pabst and like RBI’s – Wilson has 2 of them in 78 at bats!! 

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LaTroy Hawkins - fractured pinky

Hawkins has been on the disabled list since May 7 when he fractured the pinky finger on his right hand. He seems to be the closest to returning to the club, already participating in a rehab sting with High Class A Inland Empire. He pitched one inning, allowing a home run and a single, while striking out two. He’s scheduled to move up to Triple-A Salt Lake for another rehab appearance on Tuesday and the team will reevaluate his progress after that.

The Angels hope Weaver and Iannetta come back good as new off the DL (Image: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE)

Jered Weaver - lower back strain

Weaver was placed on the DL May 29 with a lower back strain when he injured himself during the first inning of his start against the New York Yankees. He has been able to participate in long-tossing from flat ground without any pain up to 120 feet. He hasn’t reached the full-length long-toss of 200 feet, and there is still no timetable set for when he’ll throw off of a mound. The angle of coming off a mound will be a true test to Weaver’s back health, and the team will be sure not to rush anything to get him back.

Chris Iannetta – fractured wrist

Iannetta was placed on the DL May 10 and has missed 21 games while recovering from surgery on a fractured right wrist. He’s been cleared for long-tossing and swinging a bat, and has said that the intial 6-8 week timetable for his return is still valid. That would put Iannetta’s return about two weeks out. The Angels have felt Iannetta’s absence, getting just one RBI from the catcher’s position since his injury.

Bobby Wilson - concussion

To pile on to the thinning catcher position, Bobby Wilson has been placed on the 7-day concussion DL after taking a foul ball off the face mask in the first inning against the Mariners on Monday. Wilson stayed in the game after taking the shot, but was replaced by John Hester before his at-bat in the second inning. Wilson has a history of concussions, so the team was taking a cautious approach with their backup backstop. In his absence, Hank Conger, who just got back last week from a month-long elbow sprain, has been called up from Triple-A Salt Lake and will make his first start of the year tonight.