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Angels spring update: Reggie Willits, Maicer Izturis come out of Monday night game OK

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Reserve outfielder Reggie Willits returned to the field for the first time in two weeks Monday night, playing five innings in the outfield of a 7-7 split-squad tie against the Chicago White Sox in Glendale, Ariz. Willits was sidelined by a right hamstring strain but is confident he will be ready to play by Monday night’s season opener against the Minnesota Twins.

‘That shouldn’t be an issue, unless something sets me back,’ said Willits, who had one hit in three at-bats against the White Sox. ‘I feel really good right now. I’ve had 17 at-bats [most of them in minor league games] in the last three days. I feel good at the plate, I’m seeing the ball well, and my timing is good. It’s just a matter of building up stamina in my leg.’

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Willits will get some additional at-bats in a camp game Tuesday but will not run the bases or play outfield.

Infielder Maicer Izturis, who left Saturday’s game because of tightness in his back, played six innings at shortstop against the White Sox, going two for three.

‘There was no problem with my back,’ Izturis said. ‘I feel normal now.’

Mike Napoli also doubled against Chicago, his only hit in five at-bats as a designated hitter, and relievers Kevin Jepsen and Brian Stokes each pitched hitless innings with one strikeout.

Here’s the Angels lineup for Tuesday’s 1 p.m. game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Tempe Diablo Stadium:

SS Erick Aybar

DH Bobby Abreu

CF Torii Hunter

LF Hideki Matsui

1B Kendry Morales

RF Juan Rivera

2B Howie Kendrick

C Jeff Mathis

3B Brandon Wood

P Scott Kazmir

-- Mike DiGiovanna in Tempe, Ariz.

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