MRI exam reveals no further damage to arm of Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson

An MRI exam conducted Tuesday showed no further damage to C.J. Wilson’s left arm. The 35-year-old Angels pitcher remains shut down with what was most recently termed biceps tendinitis, but with plans to soon be reevaluated.

As new signee Tim Lincecum figures to join the rotation in two weeks and Wilson lingering not necessarily far behind, the Angels could soon be faced with a surplus of starting pitchers to sift from.

“I hope so,� Manager Mike Scioscia said. “For a long time we were trying to fill five spots with three or four guys. We’re starting to establish some depth, which is where you want to be. Hopefully we’ll have hard decisions, because hard decisions are good for the team, and hopefully we’ll be at that point.�

Andrelton Simmons is healing

Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons fielded grounders and took batting practice on Tuesday, encouraging the team that he could return within three weeks — right at the beginning of the six-to-eight-week timetable stated when he first tore a ligament in his left thumb.

“Still a little bit to go, but feeling a lot better,� Simmons said.

Also Tuesday, shortstop Brendan Ryan cleared waivers and was assigned to triple-A Salt Lake. Ryan was acquired from Washington for cash to be Simmons’ temporary replacement but did not have a hit in 11 at-bats as an Angel.

Short hops

Mike Trout is first among American League outfielders in the first All-Star voting update released Tuesday by Major League Baseball. Trout is the only Angel among the 45 vote-getting AL players announce. He is third in overall votes, behind only Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez and Boston designated hitter David Ortiz. … Third baseman Yunel Escobar again did not start Tuesday because of a bruised left wrist, but Scioscia said he should play Wednesday’s 4 p.m. series finale with Detroit. The Angels called up third baseman Jefry Marte to start Tuesday’s game against his former team. They sent down Kaleb Cowart to make space.

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