Angels morning spring report: Napoli to catch on Friday
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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Mike Napoli, limited all spring to a designated-hitter role while he recovered from shoulder surgery, will make his first exhibition start behind the plate on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Tucson.
‘He has one more workout today,’ Manager Mike Scioscia said. ‘If he comes out of it OK, he’ll catch Friday.’
If Napoli is ready to catch by the season opener, it could be a huge boost to the Angels’ offense. Jeff Mathis is a solid defensive catcher, but he can’t provide the kind of power that Napoli, who hit 20 homers in 78 games last season, does.
The Angels are hosting the Colorado Rockies today, with Angels right-hander Jered Weaver opposing Rockies right-hander Jason Marquis.
The Angels lineup:
3B Chone Figgins
2B Howie Kendrick
LF Bobby Abreu
RF Vladimir Guerrero
CF Torii Hunter
1B Kendry Morales
DH Juan Rivera
C Jeff Mathis
SS Erick Aybar
-- Mike DiGiovanna