Angels to face some difficult roster decisions this weekend

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A week before the Angels’ April 5 season opener, there is a spirited battle for the team’s final 25-man roster spots.

Assuming the Angels carry 11 pitchers, the final three bench spots will come down to six players: outfielders Reggie Willits, Cory Aldridge, Michael Ryan and Terry Evans, infielder/outfielder Robb Quinlan and catcher Bobby Wilson.

Wilson, a solid defender, is out of options, meaning he would be exposed to a waiver claim if the Angels try to send him to triple-A. But he will only make the team if Scioscia goes with three catchers, a longshot considering they have Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli.

Willits’ ability to play all three outfield spots, bunt and pinch run, as well as his significant major league experience, and Quinlan’s extensive big league experience and ability to play the corner outfield and infield spots give them an edge.

That probably leaves Aldridge, who has made several spectacular defensive plays this spring and is hitting .382 with two homers this spring, Ryan, who is batting .333, Evans, who is also out of options, and Wilson battling for one spot.

“If you don’t have tough decisions at the end of spring training, you’re not as deep as you want to be,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “We’re going to have some difficult decisions.”

--Mike DiGiovanna, reporting from Tempe, Ariz.