No kidding. On Sept. 9, 2003, Bootcheck was rocked for eight runs and seven hits, three of them home runs, in 3 1/3 innings of an 8-1 loss at Oakland. The winning pitcher that night was Justin Duchscherer, who beat Adenhart on Thursday.
"A lot of great pitchers who have pitched in the big leagues for a long time had the same kind of start," Bootcheck said. "I told him to keep his head up. His talent is going to see him through this."
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As much as Willits hated to get demoted to Salt Lake on April 16, it was for the best. The switch-hitter had one at-bat in the Angels' first 15 games but played 10 games at triple A, batting .378.
"It allowed me to get my timing back, to get my legs back under me," said Willits, who missed a week because of tendinitis in his left wrist. "It was like spring training."
Willits left the hottest team in baseball. Salt Lake improved to 24-2 with Thursday's 10-0 win over Memphis.
"We never lose down there," Willits said.
Did he almost hate to leave the Bees?
"No," Willits said. "I can't say that."
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Second baseman Howie Kendrick (strained left hamstring) backed off his workout regimen a bit and will remain in Anaheim this weekend. The Angels hope he can begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment early next week. . . . Pitcher Kelvim Escobar (shoulder tear) extended his throwing program to 75 feet Friday and has experienced no setbacks.
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mike.digiovanna@latimes.com
