The Angels have been besieged by pitching injuries and setbacks in 2009 to the tune of a 9-13 start. John Lackey and Irvin Santana missed the first month of the season dealing with minor injuries while Kelvim Escobar is recovering from going under the knife last August. Darren Oliver was placed on the 15 day DL in late April due to tightness and Dustin Moseley joined him days later ailing in similar fashion. Kevin Jepsen went on the DL in the move that brought Brandon Wood up from Salt Lake and has been anything but convincing in his minor league rehab. Should Angel fans abandon hope, trade for power and shoot for the fences? No. The good news--is that good news is just around the corner. Santana is poised to make a rehab start for the Quakes on Monday May 4th, while Lackey is scheduled for to pitch for Salt Lake on Tuesday May 5th. Both pitchers are looking for 60 pitches or four innings. Escobar's rehab is going better then expected and ahead of schedule. Initially thought to be returning in late July or August, early to mid June is seemingly more realistic. In other good news, Escobar has not reported any setbacks in recent long toss sessions and has been clocked in the minors chucking some cheese around 94. Darren Oliver appears to be poised to return to the lineup and could be back in the bullpen as soon as May 4th. Moseley is scheduled to resume throwing on May 6th and will most likely make two rehab starts before rejoining the team. Jepsen's rehab has been encouraging but he has struggled with his command at times and appears like he might need a couple of starts playing down before he is ready. With reinforcements coming, it is up to Mike Soscia and company to hold the front line and minimize damage. If both catchers are swinging the wood well, that might mean putting Napoli at DH--oh wait, check. It might mean aggressively manufacturing runs--duh, check. It might even mean giving power hitting Brandon Wood a couple of at bats--uh, Mike...you there?