March 10--REPORTING FROM TEMPE, Ariz. -- After he struggled to surpass the 80-mph mark in his second spring-training start, veteran Angels right-hander Jered Weaver underwent an MRI exam on his neck Thursday.
The results are not yet known, but the Angels characterized the exam as precautionary. Weaver, 33, reported feeling sore when he arrived at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Thursday and was sent for the test.
In his first start this spring, Weaver reached 83 mph with his fastball and said he was pleased his performance. But on Wednesday against the Dodgers, he averaged 79 mph, yielded three home runs and spoke afterward about the uncomfortable feeling of waking up each morning hoping his problems had vanished.
Once an ace, Weaver's fastball velocity has steadily declined in recent seasons to a career-low 84 mph in 2015. He spent six weeks on the disabled list with left hip inflammation and threw 159 innings with a 4.64 earned-run average. He did not touch 90 mph with a single pitch.
This year is the final season of the five-year, $85-million extension he signed with the Angels during his prime. Manager Mike Scioscia has said repeatedly this spring that he expects Weaver to be part of the starting rotation.
