Bartolo Colon Denies World Games Hurt Shoulder

Despite World Classic Games manager Buck Martinez's suspicion that the games last March hurt a number of pitchers who are off to a slow start, injured Angels ace Bartolo Colon refuses to point fingers. Colon, who pitched for the Dominican Republic in the games, says his difficulties can be attributed to last August, when he experienced back pain. Because of the back pain, he likely altered his delivery and caused a shoulder tear in October. Colon has been on the disabled list since mid-April with renewed inflammation in his right shoulder. Stepping up to mound throwing now after weeks of soft tossing, Colon predicts his return to the rotation will come soon.