Angel closer Troy Percival received a cortisone injection Thursday, in the hope that the shot would calm the persistent inflammation in his right elbow enough to enable him to remain off the disabled list.
"I don't think we're going to rule that out," Manager Mike Scioscia said. "Right now, there's still a chance he'll get over this."
According to Percival, an MRI examination showed "there's no tearing of a ligament or anything like that." Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Angels' medical director, said X-rays did not reveal bone spurs or chips but did indicate some calcification within the elbow, consistent with what Percival called "the elbow of a guy that's thrown a bunch of innings."
"Rest might help," Percival added, "and it might not."
An extended stay on the disabled list could herald the end of his distinguished Angel career. The contract of Percival, 34, a four-time All-Star four saves shy of 300, expires after this season. The Angels have groomed Francisco Rodriguez, 22, as their next closer.
