Let the games begin
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TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Angels will play their first spring-training exhibition game -- the Cactus League lid-lifter, as we affectionately call it here in the desert -- against the Chicago White Sox in Tempe Diablo Stadium on Wednesday.
Nick Adenhart, one of four pitchers who will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation, was scheduled to start but has been scratched because of flu-like symptoms.
New closer Brian Fuentes, who will pitch for the U.S. team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, was also scheduled to appear but had to return home to Merced, Calif., to tend to a family matter. The left-hander should be back in camp in time to pitch Thursday.
WBC-bound relievers Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo are also scheduled to pitch Wednesday. Shields has been icing his left knee for several days, but manager Mike Scioscia said the veteran setup man hasn’t missed any bullpen workouts or throwing sessions.
“He gets bouts of shin splints every spring,” Scioscia said. “He’s moving fine, throwing the ball very well, so it’s not a concern.”
-- Mike DiGiovanna