Angels sit the best, play the rest
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Nine all-star selections. Twelve gold gloves. A couple of near-MVPs.
That’s what wasn’t in the lineup for the Angels on Wednesday in their Cactus League exhibition with the Colorado Rockies at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Angels Manager Mike Scioscia has given his regulars plenty of rest early in the spring schedule and Wednesday was no exception, with the list of talent given the day off rivaling that of most teams’ regular lineups. Among those scheduled to leave the ballpark in the early afternoon were Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells, Maicer Izturis, Jeff Mathis, Bobby Abreu and Kendry Morales.
The latter hasn’t played at all this spring but Scioscia says Morales is making progress in rehabbing his broken ankle and he could be playing in 10 days or so.
Left-hander Scott Kazmir will start on the mound and is scheduled to throw four innings or 55 pitches, whichever comes first. Hank Conger, battling for the backup catcher’s job on the opening day roster, strained his forearm over the weekend and still can’t throw but will get a chance to play Wednesday as the designated hitter.
Wednesday’s lineup:
SS -- Erick Aybar
CF -- Reggie Willits
2B -- Howie Kendrick
1B -- Mark Trumbo
DH -- Hank Conger
3B -- Brandon Wood
C -- Bobby Wilson
LF -- Chris Pettit
RF -- Jeremy Moore
P -- Scott Kazmir
-- Kevin Baxter in Tempe, Ariz.