Tropeano's frustrating season comes to end

ANAHEIM -- Nick Tropeano will have to wait until 2019 to pitch again for the Angels.
Tropeano was shut down for the season after his rehab from right shoulder inflammation stalled. He is slated to receive a platelet-rich plasma injection Friday. It's a disappointing outcome for Tropeano, who returned from Tommy John surgery this season, but was limited to 14 starts for the Angels because of his ailing shoulder.
The injury sent Tropeano to the disabled list for the third time this year on Aug. 7, though he was initially optimistic that he would be able to pitch before the end of the season. Tropeano resumed a throwing progression and completed three bullpen sessions, but the symptoms did not subside.
"It's frustrating because I worked my way back from Tommy John, and it's something I had to deal with the entire year this year," Tropeano said Tuesday. "It's just tough. Frustrating. It really sucks on my part. But you've got to take it for what it is. I'm going to get this injection, kind of head into this offseason a little earlier than expected, obviously. But hopefully this will relieve some of those symptoms."
Tropeano, 28, said surgery is not currently an option, as he underwent an MRI exam that revealed no structural damage in his shoulder. The underlying cause of the inflammation is bursitis.
"It's just kind of one of those annoying things that the only thing you can do is rest," Tropeano said.
Tropeano finishes the 2018 campaign with a 5-6 record and a 4.74 ERA over 76 innings.
Bridwell returns
The Angels recalled right-hander Parker Bridwell from Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday ahead of their scheduled bullpen game against the Rangers. Bridwell went 10-3 with a 3.64 ERA for the Angels last season, but he was limited to only seven starts between the Majors and the Minors in 2018 due to elbow trouble.
"I don't think it's uncommon for a guy maybe to hit bumps in the road after they come up and have some success," manager Mike Scioscia said. "But I think Parker is very confident, and he's healthy now. Hopefully he'll get back on track, and when he gets that opportunity, he pitches as consistently as he did last year."