1.   Closer Ugueth Urbina is coming off elbow surgery.

2.   Howe noted that it often takes a pitcher two years to completely recover from elbow surgery.

3.   Although he missed a year and a half after reconstructive elbow surgery, Velarde is as strong as ever.

4.   Also Osuna was activated from the disabled list and his blister and recovery from elbow surgery limits his availability.

5.   Also out for the season is reliever Antonio Osuna, who will undergo arthroscopic elbow surgery this week.

6.   And maybe not enough hitting, at least until catcher Todd Hundley returns in midseason from elbow surgery.

7.   Angels infielder Randy Velarde, who has been out for every game but one after right elbow surgery, will begin throwing again in January.

8.   Another pitcher, John Smoltz, will miss the entire season while he recovers from elbow surgery.

9.   As Riech paced between his throws Thursday, he remembered how much he hurt after his elbow surgery.

10.   Belcher, recovering from elbow surgery, will make two more rehab starts, both for Triple-A Edmonton.