Nick Adenhart’s locker brings sadness, memories for former teammate

One of the first things Bobby Wilson did upon arriving in the Angels clubhouse Tuesday was spend a few moments at the locker of Nick Adenhart, the 22-year-old Angels pitcher who was killed in a traffic accident April 9.

“If I imagined how he would have left his locker, that’s exactly how it would have looked, like his room, which was most likely a pig sty,� Wilson said. “It’s nice to see the guys are keeping his legacy going. It means a lot to me and to his family.�

The slight smile on Wilson’s face was tinged with sadness. The catcher, recalled from triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday, developed a close relationship with Adenhart in the minor leagues, and the two were roommates in spring training this season.

Wilson’s call-up gives the Angels even more freedom to use slugging catcher Mike Napoli, who is batting .316, as the designated hitter.

Though Wilson attended the private memorial service for Adenhart in Maryland, this was the first time he had been in Angel Stadium -- and seen Adenhart’s locker and picture in full windup on the center-field wall -- since the tragedy.

“It was tough seeing Nick’s locker, because we were so close . . . it’s going to be tough for a long time,� said Wilson, who was batting .284 at Salt Lake. “ . . . It’s weird how things work out. Hopefully, this will help with the closure of losing a friend.�

Wilson went out to lunch and dinner and played cards regularly with Adenhart and outfielder Brad Coon, Adenhart’s roommate at Salt Lake, last season. Wilson also remains in regular contact with Adenhart’s mother and stepfather.

“I call a couple of times a week to make sure they’re doing OK, because I know it’s still fresh in our memories,� Wilson said. “I’m dealing with it. This is my retreat. Being on the field is my sanctuary, where I can get away from everything.�

As the rotation turns

John Lackey, sidelined all season because of an elbow strain, declared himself fit and ready to rejoin the Angels rotation after Sunday’s five-inning, 79-pitch rehabilitation start for Salt Lake.

“I feel like I know when I’m ready,� the Angels’ ace said. “I’ve been around the block once or twice.�

His manager concurred. “John’s next start will be with us,� Mike Scioscia said.

After Tuesday’s game, the Angels announced that Lackey would start Saturday in Texas. The team also said that Ervin Santana, sidelined all season because of an elbow sprain, will pitch Thursday against the Red Sox, moving Joe Saunders’ next start to Friday in Texas.

Santana threw five innings for Salt Lake on Saturday and threw in the bullpen Tuesday. If Scioscia deems Santana ready to return, he would probably start Friday in Texas, with Lackey pushed to Saturday.

“Ervin feels great,� Scioscia said. “If he’s ready to take the next step, it will be with us.�

Injury updates

Dustin Moseley’s rehabilitation assignment, scheduled to begin this week at extended spring-training camp in Arizona, has been delayed because of a minor neck injury. The right-hander has been on the disabled list since April 18 because of tightness in his forearm.

Slugger Vladimir Guerrero, on the designated list since April 16 because of a torn chest muscle, has progressed from dry swings to hitting aggressively off a tee and soft toss. Scioscia said Guerrero will begin taking batting practice on the field this week.

Kelvim Escobar, recovering from shoulder surgery, resumed his rehab assignment with an extended spring-training appearance Monday.

“He threw the ball well,� Scioscia said.

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