Angels reliever Scott Downs close to return (lineups)

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Reliever Scott Downs, sidelined since Saturday because of tightness in his left hamstring, did agility drills and wind sprints, played long toss and threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Wednesday afternoon.

The left-hander with a 6-2 record and 1.31 earned-run average was not available to pitch Wednesday night against the Chicago White Sox, but he should be ready for Friday night’s game against the Texas Rangers.

Downs was warming up to enter Saturday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles when he said he “felt a pop” in the hamstring. He has not pitched since Friday night.

Outfielder Mike Trout is not in the lineup for the second straight game. Manager Mike Scioscia said struggling outfielder Vernon Wells, who doubled Tuesday night, ‘hit some balls hard [Tuesday], and we hope he can build on that.’ Scioscia said Trout and catcher Hank Conger, who also is not in Wednesday night’s lineup, will play this weekend against Texas.

The Angels lineup: CF Peter Bourjos, 3B Alberto Callaspo, DH Bobby Abreu, RF Torii Hunter, 1B Mark Trumbo, 2B Howie Kendrick, LF Vernon Wells, SS Erick Aybar, C Jeff Mathis, P Jered Weaver.

The White Sox lineup: LF Juan Pierre, RF Alejandro De Aza, DH Paul Konerko, CF Alex Rios, SS Alexei Ramirez, 1B Adam Dunn, C Tyler Flowers, 3B Brent Morel, 2B Gordon Beckham, P Zach Stewart.

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--Mike DiGiovanna