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Angels unveil a new lineup -- again

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Angels Manager Mike Scioscia used more than 130 different lineups last year. But four games into the new season he’s already on pace to better that mark.

When Erick Aybar was removed from the batting order late Sunday morning Scioscia was forced to write out his fourth different lineup of the season -- and with Maicer Izturis moving from third base to shortstop, it was the Angels’ fourth different infield combination as well.

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“Erick was a little stiff today on his side,” Scioscia said. “So we’re going to give him today [off] and give him tomorrow and let him be ready for Tuesday.”

With the wind gusting up to 45 mph and blowing out to right field, it could be a tough day for starting pitchers Scott Kazmir and the Royals’ Bruce Chen -- and a good day for the hitters.

“Hit the ball in the air today,” Angels slugger Vernon Wells told his teammates after walking in from the windy parking lot.

The lineups:

Angels

SS -- Maicer Izturis

2B -- Howie Kendrick

DH -- Bobby Abreu

RF -- Torii Hunter

LF -- Vernon Wells

3B -- Alberto Callaspo

1B -- Mark Trumbo

C -- Jeff Mathis

CF -- Peter Bourjos

P -- Scott Kazmir

Kansas City Royals

2B -- Mike Aviles

CF -- Melky Cabrera

LF -- Alex Gordon

1B -- Billy Butler

DH -- Kila Ka’aihue

RF -- Jeff Francoeur

3B -- Wilson Betemit

SS -- Alcides Escobar

C -- Brayan Pena

P -- Bruce Chen

-- Kevin Baxter in Kansas City, Mo.

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