One of the cool things about southern California is that our local baseball teams all have minor league teams within roughly an hour. Fans can watch some up-and-coming talent in Class A, or perhaps catch some major leaguers on rehabilitation assignments. Thursday night, Angels' fans can see the latter with just a short drive to San Bernardino, as both Scott Downs and Reggie Willits will begin rehabilitation stints with the Inland Empire 66ers tonight.
↵This is the first year the Angels are affiliated with Inland Empire, and today is opening day throughout the minor leagues. Downs fractured his big toe in spring training, while Willits is dealing with a left calf strain. Willits will hit leadoff tonight, and is expected to play with Inland Empire for a few days. Both are on the disabled list retroactive to March 22. They are eligible to be activated any time; it's just a matter of whether or not they are ready and healthy enough to play.
↵The Angels play their home opener on Friday against the Blue Jays.
↵For more Angels news and information, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.