Angels update: Mike Napoli in Wednesday night’s lineup; Maicer Izturis to start Thursday
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Mike Napoli, who hit 20 home runs in each of the past two seasons but struggled defensively this spring, will get his first start of the season behind the plate and bat eighth for the Angels in Wednesday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins.
Maicer Izturis remained on the bench for the third straight game, but Manager Mike Scioscia said the utility infielder, who signed a three-year, $10-million contract this winter, will be in Thursday night’s lineup, though he wouldn’t say where. Izturis plays third base, shortstop and second.
‘We wanted some infielders to get their feet on the ground, to get some at-bats, but Izzy will be an important part of the club,’ Scioscia said. ‘He will contribute.’
Scioscia also said designated hitter Hideki Matsui will start in left field for the first time this season Thursday night. Matsui, limited by his arthritic knees to playing at designated hitter for all 142 of his games with the New York Yankees last season, played parts of four exhibition games this spring in left field.
‘We want to work him into the outfield rotation as much as wee can,’ Scioscia said. ‘I think he’s totally healthy. There are no issues. He’s going to be effective, but we don’t want to do anything that will risk his ability to swing the bat.’
LINEUPS FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S GAME
TWINS
CF Denard Span
2B Orlando Hudson
C Joe Mauer
1B Justin Morneau
RF Michael Cuddyer
DH Jim Thome
LF Delmon Young
SS J.J. Hardy
3B Nick Punto
P Carl Pavano
ANGELS
SS Erick Aybar
RF Bobby Abreu
CF Torii Hunter
DH Hideki Matsui
1B Kendry Morales
LF Juan Rivera
2B Howie Kendrick
C Mike Napoli
3B Brandon Wood
P Ervin Santa
-- Mike DiGiovanna