INSIDE PITCH

Posted on 2012 under Angels | Comments are off

2 Feb

The Angels' stance on Kendrys Morales' comeback attempt this winter has remained solidly grounded in "cautious optimism." And there continue to be signs that their optimism could finally be rewarded. Morales has not played since fracturing his left ankle on May 29, 2010, and has had two surgeries to repair the damage in that joint. He has spent most of this winter working out at the Tempe Sports Clinic and the Angels' minor league complex in Arizona. In recent weeks, he was cleared to increase his workouts and is now running on a treadmill with no weight-bearing assistance. After taking a week in Miami for personal reasons, Morales returned to Arizona last week and began taking live batting practice on a daily basis. The switch-hitting Morales is swinging from both sides of the plate, something he was never cleared to do during his aborted comeback last spring. Then, Morales only hit from the left side out of concern that swinging right-handed would put too much stress on his left ankle. Angels outfielder Peter Bourjos (a Scottsdale resident) has also spent the winter rehabilitating an injury in Arizona and has worked out with Morales on multiple occasions. He says the 'X' factor in the Angels' 2012 hopes looks to be making good progress. "I've been hitting with him every day and he looks strong," Bourjos said. "(Jan. 23) was the first time he took live BP (with a coach throwing) and he was popping them out from both sides. "It's very impressive." Morales was also impressive in batting practice last spring. But the pain and lack of flexibility in his ankle prevented him from ever advancing beyond that point and appearing in games or even running on the field during workouts. Morales eventually opted for a second surgery last May that removed degenerative cysts and scar tissue in the joint as well as performing a bone graft.