LosAngeles.Angels.MLB.com

By Doug Miller / MLB.com

Garret Anderson has been diagnosed with an early form of arthritis and there is no timetable for his return. (Chris Carlson/AP)

The Angels' All-Star outfielder, team MVP and all-time hits leader, who has been battling pain in his shoulders, upper back and neck area since Spring Training and has been on the disabled list since April 22, learned Wednesday that his condition is an early form of arthritis.

Anderson met with team physician Dr. Craig Milhouse and rheumatologist Dr. David Brown to discuss the results of numerous tests he's gone through in the last few weeks, and it was revealed that Anderson has been diagnosed with "early undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis."

Anderson will undergo treatment with oral medications, will begin non-weight-bearing activities such as pool work and riding an exercise bike in a week, and will increase the intensity of workouts based on how he feels.

The Angels said there is still no timetable for his return, but manager Mike Scioscia expressed relief that the condition has been identified after weeks of mystery.

"It's encouraging to get a hard diagnosis," Scioscia said. "At least it's something that is firm and can lead us to a course of action and treatment that will get him better."

Scioscia said he "absolutely" thinks Anderson will play again this year. Anderson was batting .339 with two home runs and five RBIs in 15 games.

"I don't know when it's going to be, but I expect him to be back helping us this season," Scioscia said.

"There's going to be hurdles to clear all the way up. There's going to be a progression and there could be a setback here or there. Garret's got a lot of work ahead of him. It's a long road ahead, but the fact there is a road is encouraging."

Back in the clubhouse, players were made aware of the diagnosis after the game. Shorstop David Eckstein said he was happy to hear that there finally was a tangible explanation for why his teammate and friend was in pain.

Eckstein said he saw Anderson earlier in the day and that everything seemed fine.

"Same old, same old," Eckstein said. "He never changes his mood. He's the same way on the field as off the field. If he's having a bad day, you can't tell. If he's having a good day, you can't tell."

One thing Eckstein said he was sure of is that Anderson will work hard to get back into the Angels' lineup.

"It's good that they found something," Eckstein said.

"Garret, when he's ready, he'll be back on the field as soon as possible."

Doug Miller is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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