Aybar, Abreu homers power Angels’ win

Associated Press

ANAHEIM, Calif.

Jered Weaver’s numbers are considerably better after his first 700 innings in the major leagues than his older brother Jeff’s were at that stage. Ability isn’t the only reason, and the Los Angeles Angels’ right-hander is the first to acknowledge that.

Weaver allowed one run over six innings and struck out seven in a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Monday night.

It’s the first time he has won his first three decisions since 2006, when he joined Livan Hernandez and Hall of Famer Whitey Ford as the only pitchers to go 9-0 in their first 12 big league starts.

“My brother showed me the way. I’ve learned a lot of my stuff from him,” Weaver said. “He’s had 11 years in this game. So to say that I’m further along than he is, I think I’ve got to get a ring and have about 10 years under my belt before I can start saying that.”

When Weaver struck out Asdrubal Cabrera in a 12-pitch at-bat leading off the third, he reached the 700-inning mark in his career — a span in which he compiled a 53-27 record with a 3.69 ERA and 577 strikeouts. By contrast, Jeff Weaver was 38-51 with a 4.38 ERA and 468 strikeouts in his first 700 innings.

“It’s a tough comparison because we’ve played for two different teams,” Jered said.