Lacking best stuff, Weaver keeps club in game

ANAHEIM -- Jered Weaver did not have his best stuff Tuesday night vs. the Cubs, but the right-hander did exactly what aces are expected to do as he battled through it and gave his team a chance to win.

"[Weaver] didn't have his best stuff, and I think he got a little tired as the game went on. He's just really getting back into some of his stamina, but that's what [Weaver] can do," manager Mike Scioscia said after his club's 4-3 win. "When he doesn't have his best stuff, he can keep you in the game like he did tonight. A couple unearned runs and outside of that, he pitched a strong game."

Over six innings of work, Weaver allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits while striking out five.

"Obviously first-pitch strikes weren't quite on today, but I was able to make some pitches when I needed to," Weaver said. "I just tried to keep us in the game, give us a chance to win."

Weaver threw 95 pitches -- 60 for strikes -- and although the right-hander said he felt he could have pitched the seventh inning, he acknowledged he still has some work to do before he is 100 percent again.

"I think it's going to take me a little while to get [my endurance] back, but at the same time, I feel pretty good out there," Weaver said. "Maybe the mechanics aren't quite there, getting a little quick at times trying to get a feel for the game, but for the most part, everything feels good."

In his two starts since being activated from the disabled list, Weaver has struck out 12 and allowed just two earned runs over 12 innings.