Angels impressed by Rudy Seanez

In this economy, even the presence of the Boston Red Sox does not guarantee a sellout.

The Angels sold out 21 consecutive regular-season games against the Red Sox from 2003-08, but none of the six games this season sold out.

The Angels sold 33,411 tickets to Tuesday’s game against Boston, their lowest attendance for any opponent since 2004, and 35,124 to Thursday’s series finale.

Yet the Angels’ average attendance is up slightly from this time last season, to 40,660.

Angels spokesman Tim Mead attributed the figures to a decrease in season tickets -- from 30,000 to 26,000 -- but an increase in group and single-game tickets.

In trying to lure fans who can no longer afford season tickets -- or perhaps single-game tickets -- the Angels have emphasized discounts and promotions. The Angels offered some buy-three, get-one-free seats for the Red Sox games and sold $3 tickets for several other games.

“I think we’ve done a very good job of trying to reach out to the consumer in these tough economic times,” Mead said, “and we will continue to do so.”

Seanez sighting

The Angels invited Rudy Seanez to work out for them at Angel Stadium recently, and the veteran reliever was so impressive that he could join their bullpen next month.

“Rudy’s arm looks great,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “The ball came out of his hand really well. He’s going to need some time. It’s not like you’re going to see him here in a week or two.”

The Angels are close to signing Seanez to a minor league contract. Scioscia said the 40-year-old probably would report to the Angels’ extended spring program in Arizona, then join triple-A Salt Lake.

“It’s a matter of getting into the shape he needs to be in to pitch,” Scioscia said.

Bullpen overhaul

With the Angels activating Ervin Santana on Thursday and John Lackey on Saturday, Shane Loux becomes a long reliever, the latest addition to a bullpen that has a 6.49 earned-run average, the worst in the major leagues.

The Angels could also welcome Seanez, Dustin Moseley and Kelvim Escobar to the bullpen in coming weeks, giving them options beyond the current top five of Jose Arredondo, Jason Bulger, Darren Oliver, Scot Shields and closer Brian Fuentes. The Angels have used 11 relievers already this season, including rookies Dan Davidson, Kevin Jepsen, Rich Thompson, Fernando Rodriguez and Rafael Rodriguez.

Palmer’s haul

Matt Palmer had seven game balls in his locker Thursday, one night after the 30-year-old pitched the first complete game of his major league career. He’ll keep the ball from the final out and the lineup card, with the rest for his three sons and his mother.

Mom gets first pick.

“She’s done a lot for me,” Palmer said. “She deserves a lot more than that.”

Short hops

Vladimir Guerrero, who has not played since April 15 because of a torn chest muscle, is scheduled to take live batting practice today, for the first time since the injury. The Angels hope he can return to the lineup -- as a designated hitter -- in 10 to 14 days. . . . The Angels tied a club record with three triples, by Torii Hunter, Erick Aybar and Bobby Abreu. . . . Boston slugger David Ortiz went hitless in seven at-bats, six of them with runners in scoring position. He has no homers in 130 at-bats this season, and his batting average has fallen to .208.

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bill.shaikin@latimes.com