Kazmir, Rodney, Jepsen scheduled to make spring debuts for Angels today

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Pitcher Scott Kazmir, who has been slowed this spring by a sore hamstring, and relievers Kevin Jepsen, who had shoulder tendinitis last September, and Fernando Rodney, who has battled sore shins this spring, are scheduled to make their exhibition debuts against the Dodgers on Monday in Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Kazmir, who threw a two-inning simulated game last week, is slated to throw about 45 pitches, which is what starters usually throw in their second spring starts. Kazmir will have at least three more exhibition starts and will probably remain in Arizona to pitch in a camp game on Sunday, April 4, giving the left-hander enough time to build up the stamina required to open the season with the Angels.

Asked what he expected from the hard-throwing Jepsen and Rodney, Manager Mike Scioscia said, ‘A solid 95 mph on the gun with a nasty cutter for Jepsen and a nasty changeup for Rodney.’ Scioscia was kidding, of course, but the Angels are curious to see how the two right-handers have been progressing.

Shortstop Erick Aybar, who has forearm stiffness, was not in the starting lineup for a fifth straight day, but Scioscia said he will start at designated hitter on Tuesday against San Diego. Aybar will not play the field for at least another few days.

‘He could probably play today, but we’re going to err on the side of caution,’ Scioscia said. ‘We want him to get over this stiffness and move on from there.’

Right fielder Bobby Abreu remained sidelined because of stiffness in his oblique area, and Scioscia said he wants to ‘err on the side of caution’ with the 36-year-old veteran, as well.

Reserve outfielder Reggie Willits, who came out of Sunday’s game against the Chicago Cubs after two innings because of a tight right hamstring, will be out for several days, but he doesn’t think his injury is serious.

‘I know I didn’t do anything real bad to it, but it’s still tight today,’ Willits said Monday morning. ‘I know it will be a few days.’

-- Mike DiGiovanna in Tempe, Ariz.