Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia planned to use Thursday's off day to give his starting pitchers an extra day of rest, but Jered Weaver's back injury has thrown a wrench into those plans. Though it is not yet official, expect Dan Haren to start the series finale for the Halos on Sunday against the Texas Rangers, on regular rest.
Haren allowed one run in seven innings to the New York Yankees on Tuesday night, and in his last two starts has 21 strikeouts and no walks in 16 innings. If Haren comes out of his bullpen session with no problems, he will get the start on Sunday afternoon, against Matt Harrison for Texas. Here are the probable starters for the weekend American League West showdown in Anaheim:
- Friday: Jerome Williams vs. Colby Lewis
- Saturday: C.J. Wilson vs. Yu Darvish
- Sunday: Haren vs. Harrison
The Angels recalled Garrett Richards on Tuesday when Weaver was placed on the disabled list. Richards will be available in the bullpen for the next few games, perhaps through Saturday if his turn in the rotation comes on Tuesday. The Angels could start Ervin Santana, who is pitching Wednesday night against the Yankees, on Monday against the Seattle Mariners on regular rest, or they could give him an extra day and have him pitch Tuesday. Richards figures to start one of those two games, the one that Santana does not pitch.
Angels outfielder Torii Hunter missed 16 games while in Texas with his family dealing with his son's arrest on sexual assault charges, but was 1-for-4 in his return to the Angels on Tuesday night. Manager Mike Scioscia held Hunter out of the lineup on Wednesday, as he is easing Hunter back in, but Hunter will play on Friday against Texas.
"I thought he looked great. He really ran well down the line, and looked good in right field. He came out of it okay," said Scioscia. "He'll get back into the swing of things."
For all news and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates and perspective on the Texas Rangers, head on over to Lone Star Ball or check out SB Nation Dallas.
