Angels pitcher Scott Kazmir goes on disabled list

Veteran utility player Robb Quinlan will open the season in Anaheim. So will prospects Terry Evans and Bobby Wilson.

Scott Kazmir, a mainstay of the starting rotation, won’t.

After being slowed by hamstring and shoulder injuries this spring, the Angels left-hander was put on the disabled list Saturday so that he can build the stamina necessary to pitch in a major league game.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Kazmir will make his season debut against the New York Yankees during a three-game series that begins April 13 at Yankee Stadium.

Right-hander Matt Palmer, who was 11-2 with a 3.93 earned-run average for the Angels last season, took Kazmir’s roster spot and is expected to start Friday against Oakland at Angel Stadium.

Kazmir is scheduled to pitch in a minor league camp game Sunday in Arizona before making a rehabilitation start for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday. The Angels want Kazmir to throw 90 pitches in a game before facing the Yankees.

“He’s progressed and has gotten very close,” Scioscia said, “but he needs a couple of more workouts.”

Kazmir made three spring starts in the wake of his injuries and was 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA in 11 1/3 innings.

Last ones in

Scioscia touted versatility as the primary factor in picking Quinlan, Wilson and Evans for the opening-day roster.

Quinlan can play the corner infield and outfield spots, Wilson can play first base in addition to catcher and Evans can play all three outfield positions. Evans’ spot was likely secured after the Angels put outfielder Reggie Willits on the disabled list because of a strained right hamstring.

Scioscia said that carrying three catchers was “a bit of a luxury” that the Angels might not be able to afford for a long stretch.

Short hops

Joel Pineiro gave up seven hits and four runs in four innings during the Angels’ 6-4 victory over the Dodgers in the Freeway Series finale Saturday at Dodger Stadium, and he said he threw more off-speed pitches than he had in earlier spring outings to prepare for his season debut Thursday against Minnesota at Angel Stadium. “New team, new ballpark, new teammates. I’m very excited,” the sinkerball specialist said. “I can’t wait to get it going.” . . . Catcher Jeff Mathis played eight innings in his first game since suffering a bruise on the back of his left hand Tuesday and “felt great,” Scioscia said. Mathis was not available after the game in a fast-emptying clubhouse. . . . The Angels optioned catcher Ryan Budde, outfielder Peter Bourjos and infielder Freddy Sandoval to triple-A Salt Lake.

ben.bolch@latimes.com