TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -Angels catcher Mike Napoli has been working on everything this spring except throwing as he recovers from arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder.
Napoli hit 20 home runs in 227 at-bats last season and got his shoulder fixed in October
“I’m doing everything but catching,” Napoli said Monday. “I have someone throwing the ball back for me.”
Napoli hit six homers in September and another pair off Boston ace Josh Beckett in Game 3 of the AL division series, the Angels’ lone victory in the postseason.
Los Angeles would love to have Napoli’s bat in the lineup. Manager Mike Scioscia said he could be used in the already-crowded designated hitter role.
“It does look like he’ll be able to swing the bat for us early,” Scioscia said. “We’re going to keep him as close to getting ready in every aspect, except throwing, that he has to.
“We’ll see how he progresses. Hopefully he’ll be on pace to start the season for us.”
Scioscia said he also wants Napoli back behind the plate but his recovery is the top priority.
“It’s very important for us that Mike gets physically where he needs to be to be able to catch,” he said. “Right now, we’re going to err on the side of caution.
“We’re looking for Mike to catch not just this year but for a long time.”
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