Matchups could get tricky

Another potential playoff scenario to ponder: With only 2 1/2 games separating the Angels, Indians, Red Sox and Yankees, what happens if all four teams finish the regular season with identical records?

According to a Major League Baseball official, the wild card would be determined by head-to-head competition between the teams from the same division. The Yankees, who went 10-8 against the Red Sox, would enter as American League East champions; the Red Sox would be the wild card.

The division series pairings would then be determined by how each division winner fared against the other two. The Yankees went 9-6 (.600) against the Angels and Indians and would earn the top seeding.

The Angels went 11-8 (.579) against the Yankees and Indians and would be seeded second. The Indians, who went 5-11 (.333) against the Yankees and Angels, would be seeded third.

The first round, then, would pit the Yankees against the Indians, with New York gaining home-field advantage, and the Angels against the Red Sox, with the Angels getting home field. The Yankees, who went 6-0 against Cleveland, would get the choice of starting on Oct. 3 or 4.

News on the injury front was mixed Thursday. Gary Matthews Jr., out since Sept. 12 because of a sprained right ankle, ran at “about 95%” Thursday, and Manager Mike Scioscia said the center fielder could return this weekend.

“He feels really good,” Scioscia said. “He’s close.”

But right fielder Vladimir Guerrero, relegated to designated hitter since Sept. 11 because of an inflamed right triceps, did not try to throw Thursday, as scheduled, and appears at least a week away from returning to the outfield.

“He’s doing some strengthening exercises, and the trainers want him to do those for a few more days before he throws,” Scioscia said. “So, he will be pushed back for right now.”

Guerrero might have to open the playoffs as a DH, which wouldn’t be a huge problem in the first two rounds. But his sore elbow could be an issue if the Angels make the World Series, where the DH is not used in the National League park.

Switch-hitter Chone Figgins took batting practice on the field from the right side Thursday for the first time since injuring his left wrist in late August, and Scioscia said Figgins might start against left-hander Jarrod Washburn tonight.

A week ago, Juan Rivera, who missed the first five months of the season because of a broken leg, was so depressed about his lack of playing time he said, “I have to wait until next year to play.”

Home runs in Chicago on Sunday and another against Tampa Bay on Wednesday, both against left-handers, have changed the outfielder’s outlook considerably.

“They’re giving me more opportunities against left-handers, and my swing and my timing are coming back,” said Rivera, who started against Seattle lefty Ryan Feierabend on Thursday. “Now, I feel I can help this team in the playoffs.”

Considering their 17-19 record against left-handed starters entering Thursday, the Angels would welcome a powerful right-handed bat, but Rivera’s postseason hopes could hinge on the Angels’ first-round opponent.

If they open against the Yankees, who feature left-hander Andy Pettitte, Rivera would probably make the playoff roster. If they open against the Red Sox, who have four right-handed starters, the Angels might lean toward switch-hitter Kendry Morales.

--

mike.digiovanna@latimes.com