Mike Scioscia: Minor modifications will make Los Angeles Angels contenders in 2017

Long out of the playoff race, the Angels won’t need to rebuild to contend next season, according to Manager Mike Scioscia, who said Monday that minor modifications would be enough to improve the team.

“Rebuild is not the right word,” Scioscia said. “If you want to call it retooling or getting tooled up, there’s no doubt. I think rebuilding and retooling are different. We’re absolutely going to have to retool to get to a higher level, and not necessarily taking a step backwards. As far as a rebuild, absolutely not.”

He acknowledged that the Angels must improve their starting rotation in order to contend. Three pitchers who were expected to be part of the rotation in 2017 — Andrew Heaney, Garrett Richards and Nick Tropeano — are expected to sit out the season because of elbow injuries. Two others, Hector Santiago and Matt Shoemaker, are candidates to be dealt before the trade deadline next Monday.

The market for free agent starters will not be robust, and the Angels do not have a pool of prospects necessary to acquire additional help. Still, Scioscia said he believes.

“We all expect to contend through this year,” he said, “and definitely contend next year.”

Skaggs eager for his return

Left-hander Tyler Skaggs arrived in Kansas City on Sunday night, ahead of his first major league start in two years Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium. His return from Tommy John surgery took far longer than he had planned for or hoped, but he said he found fruit from his labor.

“I’ve had a lot of time to refine my mechanics and learn more about myself,” he said. “I feel like I’m a lot more athletic on the mound than I used to be.”

Skaggs’ return was slowed by a May diagnosis of biceps tendonitis, which he said started to bother him after he awoke 40 minutes before a 9 a.m. start in extended spring training.

“I’m not going to make excuses,” Skaggs said. “I’m back now, and everything happens for a reason.”

He also scrapped a spring adjustment to his delivery. He has resumed lifting both hands above his head during his windup.

“I went back to some old-school actions,” he said. “I’ve thrown like that since I was 12.”

Short hop

Tropeano’s visit with Dr. David Altchek on Monday in New York gave the pitcher a second opinion confirming the initial diagnosis of a high-grade tear in Tropeano’s right elbow. The 25-year-old probably will undergo Tommy John surgery and be sidelined through next season.

pedro.moura@latimes.com

Twitter: @pedromoura