Angels notes: Downs takes big step, Wells sits another day, Morales resumes batting practice

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Scott Downs threw off a mound Monday for the first time since breaking his left big toe on March 13, and it appears the left-handed reliever will return closer to mid-April than late-April.

‘I didn’t baby it, and it felt good,’ said Downs, who threw 20 pitches off a mound after playing long toss. ‘There was no pain. We’ll see how it feels [Tuesday], but it looks promising.’

First baseman Kendrys Morales, whose rehabilitation from a broken left leg was slowed by soreness in the ball of his left foot, took batting practice Monday for the first time in a week, and Manager Mike Scioscia said the slugger should resume agility drills and defensive work Tuesday.

Vernon Wells, sidelined since last Thursday because of tightness in his left hamstring, was not in the lineup for Monday night’s exhibition game against the Dodgers, but the left fielder said he is feeling better, and he expects to play Tuesday night in Angel Stadium.

‘I have one more day to make sure it feels even better, so I’m going to take it,’ Wells said. ‘I plan to start playing every day Thursday,’ when the Angels open the season in Kansas City.

Right fielder Torii Hunter, who has missed three games because of tightness in his right quadriceps, is back in the lineup for Monday night’s game.

The Angels lineup: 2B Maicer Izturis, 1B Howie Kendrick, LF Bobby Abreu, RF Hunter, 3B Alberto Callaspo, SS Erick Aybar, CF Peter Bourjos, C Bobby Wilson, P Ervin Santana.

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Which team will win more games this season, the Dodgers or the Angels?

--Mike DiGiovanna