Throughout much of the beginning of the season, it appeared as though Dan Haren was just having back luck in his starts, or not getting enough run support from his offense. After the last couple of starts -- including giving up seven runs on Tuesday night against the Cleveland Indians -- it has become clear that something else has been going on.
Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports that after Tuesday's loss, Haren admitted he has been pitching with a stiff lower back for most of the season and has been hoping the issue would go away with therapy and days off between starts. Now the Angels will be examining the issue further.
"It's getting to a point where I think we have to find out exactly what's going on in there," manager Mike Scioscia added. "He'll get evaluated when we get back to California, and we'll take it day by day."
Haren has not been able to notch a quality start in 10 of his last 17 starts. Over his last four starts, his ERA is close to 9.00. Don't be surprised if Haren winds up on the disabled list when the Angels return home.
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