Schilling in 2005

2004 World Series hero Curt Schilling is set to return to the mound for the Boston Red Sox on Monday in Los Angeles against the Angles. Schilling, 6-4 with a 4.20 ERA in 15 starts in 2007, will be activated from the disabled list and make his first start since June 18th in Atlanta.

Schilling, who made three rehab starts for Boston’s Triple A International League team in Pawtucket, pitched 15 scoreless innings logging 18 strikeouts.

The return of the “Big Schill” is huge as he gives the Red Sox a much better starter than they could have acquired at the recently passed trading deadline. Having Schilling waiting in the wings allowed them to trade promising lefty Kason Gabbard, outfield prospect David Murphy and another prospect to Texas for reliever Eric Gagne to solidify an already very good bullpen.

“Schill’s all set to go,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “The ball keeps coming out of his hand like we want it to. It’s been very successful. We’ll be thrilled to have him back.”

So will Red Sox fans.