July 4, 2008 Chris Bootcheck has been activated from the 15-day DL, and optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake, according to the Sports Network. He been on the shelf since June 9 due to a strained right forearm.
Our View:Bootcheck is not worth waiting for as a fantasy reliever, ad he surrendered 18 earned runs, 30 hits, and 12 walks over 16 innings this season.
June 9, 2008 The Angels placed Chris Bootcheck on the DL Monday with a strained forearm, according to the Orange County Register. Darren O'Day was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to replace him.
Our View:Some time off might do Bootcheck some good, as he holds a 10.13 ERA in 10 games this year
April 23, 2008 Chris Bootcheck came out of his first appearance in his return from a strained oblique feeling ready to resume his middle relief role, having given up one hit in a scoreless inning against the Mariners on Sunday, according to MLB.com. Bootcheck commented, "There was the excitement, the adrenaline, the numbness you get in your first big league game. It's good to get that first one out of the way. Now I can think about staying closed in my delivery, getting ahead in the count, changing speeds and pitching, rather than trying to control the adrenaline."
Our View:Bootcheck is a quality pitcher, but his fantasy value remains limited as a middle reliever in a strong Angels' bullpen.
April 20, 2008 Chris Bootcheck has been activated from the 15-day DL, according to the LA Daily News. He completed his rehab assignment with a one-hit scoreless inning (with six strikeouts) for Rancho Cucamonga on Friday, and was activated following Saturday's game.
Our View:He will fight for playing time as a middle-reliever out of the Angels' pen.
April 14, 2008 Chris Bootcheck is making favorable progress from his strained oblique ailment, according to MLB.com. The Angels were pleased with his rehab start for high Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday. The reliever "showed great command and good velocity," according to Manager Scioscia. He notably retired all six batters he faced, while striking out three. Scioscia noted that Bootcheck likely needs another rehab start or two to increase his stamina before reclaiming his middle-relief job with the Angels.
Our View:This is favorable news, and he will fight for playing time in the Angels' pen when he returns.
