Several regulars to start for Angels today

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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Most Angels regulars are not expected to make their exhibition debuts until March 5 or so, but Bobby Abreu, Kendry Morales and Mike Napoli are all in the starting lineup for today’s Cactus League opener against the Chicago White Sox.

Abreu is moving to a new position (left field) and will leave the team Monday to join Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic camp, so Manager Mike Scioscia wants to get the veteran as much time as possible in left and as many as at-bats as possible before he departs. Abreu will probably play in at least four of the Angels’ first five exhibition games.

Napoli’s progress has been slowed this spring by an impingement he felt in his shoulder after undergoing surgery last October. The catcher is not expected to start a throwing program until this weekend, but he feels no discomfort swinging the bat, so he will start at designated hitter.

WBC-bound relievers Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo are also scheduled to pitch today. The Angels lineup for today’s noon (PST) game, which can be heard live on the Internet at www.angelsbaseball.com:

SS Hainley Statia
LF Bobby Abreu
1B Kendry Morales
DH Mike Napoli
3B Brandon Wood
2B Sean Rodriguez
C Bobby Wilson
RF Terry Evans
CF Brad Coon
P Matt Palmer

-- Mike DiGiovanna