Angels reach triple figures ... in lineups; Pineiro encouraged by progress

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The Angels will not win 100 games this season like they did in 2008, but they did reach triple figures in lineups Saturday, the combination of Bobby Abreu and Howie Kendrick in the first two spots with Hideki Matsui at designated hitter against the Minnesota Twins resulting in their 100th different lineup this year.

‘It’s a milestone,’ Manager Mike Scioscia joked. ‘We’re proud of it.’

Considering how everyone on the team, with the exception of Torii Hunter and possibly Howie Kendrick, has struggled offensively this season, Scioscia was not surprised he has used so many lineup configurations.

‘We’ve evolved into a couple of different looks -- I don’t think that part of it has been excessive,’ Scioscia said. ‘What becomes a challenge is when guys you expect to have routine years are all having subpar years. That has caused a bit of the juggling.’

So have injuries, of course, and Maicer Izturis, who hurt his right shoulder diving for a hit in Fenway Park on Thursday night, was not in Saturday’s lineup for the second straight game.

There was a positive development for the Angels before the game, though. Pitcher Joel Pineiro, who suffered a rib-cage strain on July 28, threw fastballs and breaking balls aggressively on flat ground from 60 feet and appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Pineiro extended his long-toss session to 120 feet Saturday before throwing harder at 60 feet, which is the final progression before throwing off a mound. Pineiro was expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks.

‘We’re very encouraged,’ Scioscia said. ‘He still has some work to do, but if his progression is steady, we’re very optimistic. Clearly, this is a huge hurdle he’s passed in a very reasonable period of time. He’s very excited about how he felt.’

-- Mike DiGiovanna in Minneapolis