LA Angels Matt Shoemaker done for season as he opts for surgery.

When Matt Shoemaker first felt soreness in his forearm as the LA Angels pitcher was making his 14th start of the season against the New York Yankees, little did he know it would be the last game of his season.

The LA Angels picked Shoemaker up rallying from a 5-0 deficit to beat the Yankees that night, unfortunately Shoemaker could not rally himself. Shoemaker made one rehab start for the Inland Empire 66’ers and again felt soreness in his arm. After closer examination it was found that Shoemaker had nerve irritation.

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After shutting it down for 14 days Shoemaker began throwing again and things looked good for him to comeback this season. However, Shoemaker experienced soreness again after his bullpen session last Friday and he had to make a tough decision. On Sunday Shoemaker decided that surgery was the best option to release the pressure he is feeling in in his right forearm. The pressure is due to a compressed radial nerve.

Doctors believe that surgery will be the best option to get Shoemaker back on the mound, The recovery time is three to four months which will end Shoemaker’s season. With all the recent good news the Angels have been getting from the three other starters that are on the disabled list, this is the first bad news.

Tyler Skaggs has made it all the way back pitching in his first game since April 28th on Saturday vs. the Oakland A’s. Andrew Heaney continues to progress as he made his 5th rehab start Sunday going 5.1 innings giving up two runs with two walks and five strikeouts. Garrett Richards is also making progress as he has now been cleared to throw off a mound and could be back in September.

Unfortunately Shoemaker was not as fortunate as the other three, but he is hopeful that he will make a full recovery before next season.

“We have done everything we can do before surgery. We have pretty much exhausted all options,” Shoemaker said in an interview with MLB.Com’s Maria Guardado. “It’s a tough decision, but also , talking to all the specialists, that’s what needs to be done.”

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Shoemaker added. “The unfortunate part is that it most likely puts me out the rest of the season, which is really tough to swallow. But on the positive side, it should be no issue (for next season).

Shoemaker finishes the season with a 6-3 record and a 4.52 ERA. This is the second year in a row that Shoemaker has had his season cut short due to an injury. In 2016 Shoemaker was beaned in the head by a line drive and suffered a fractured skull and missed all of the month of September.

Next: Troy Scribner trying to prove he belongs.

Best wishes Mat, you’re a class act and we look forward to seeing you back at full strength in 2018.

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