At the start of spring training, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said the information available to him indicated there was “nothing” that would make left-hander Andrew Heaney available to pitch in 2017, one year after elbow ligament replacement surgery.
“I just don’t see it happening this year,” Scioscia said.
At that time, Heaney said he retained hope to pitch this season, though he declined to discuss his goals in detail. Three months later, he has become more open as his recovery rate has kept pace. He knows he’s still months and many potential pitfalls away from a return, but he has already broached the subject with the team and its doctors, to gauge their willingness.