Howie Kendrick not in Angels’ lineup ... again

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Howie Kendrick has been the Angels’ most consistent hitter for average this season, batting .299 with eight home runs, 25 doubles and a team-leading 55 runs, but the second baseman was not in the lineup Wednesday night for the game against the Twins, the fourth time in 12 games he has not started.

Asked if he was perplexed by his reduction in playing time in the last two weeks, Kendrick said, ‘I’m not going to talk about that,’ before walking away. Manager Mike Scioscia must have sensed Kendrick’s frustration, because he called Kendrick into his office to speak to him about it Wednesday.

‘He’s had a little time off this last week, but Howie is a big part of our team, a big part of our offense,’ Scioscia said. ‘We wanted to get another left-handed bat in there against [Twins right-hander Scott] Baker.

‘Though the matchup is not favorable tonight, he’s going to be in there virtually every day, so this week is a chance for him to recharge a bit.’

Kendrick has one hit in 11 career at-bats against Baker, who is 8-6 with a 2.86 earned-run average. Maicer Izturis, who will start at second base, is four for 10 (.400) with a home run against Baker, and Alberto Callaspo, who will start at third, is seven for 21 (.333) with a home run against him. The Angels’ lineup: 2B Maicer Izturis, SS Erick Aybar, RF Torii Hunter, DH Bobby Abreu, LF Vernon Wells, 3B Alberto Callaspo, 1B Mark Trumbo, CF Peter Bourjos, C Jeff Mathis, P Joel Pineiro.

The Twins’ lineup: CF Denard Span, LF Ben Revere, C Joe Mauer, 1B Michael Cuddyer, RF Jason Kubel, 3B Danny Valencia, DH Delmon Young, SS Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 2B Matt Tolbert, P Scott Baker.

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-- Mike DiGiovanna