Angels: Morning spring training update
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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Brian Fuentes didn’t look OK on Tuesday, but the Angels closer said, ‘Physically, everything is OK,’ after the left-hander was roughed up for five earned runs, three hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning of an exhibition game against the San Diego Padres.
Fuentes was sidelined for a week because of stiffness in his back and threw a scoreless inning in his first game back on Saturday. But on Tuesday, he couldn’t even complete the one inning he was scheduled to throw and gave up a home run to left-handed-hitting Jody Gerut.
‘I’m trying to work through some things,’ Fuentes said. ‘I took a week off without throwing, and I need to get it right. I was behind in the count yesterday. Once I establish my fastball, I’ll be better.’
The Angels will play the Chicago White Sox today, with right-hander Dustin Moseley, who is expected to open the season in the rotation, opposing White Sox right-hander Gavin Floyd.
The Angels lineup:
3B Chone Figgins
2B Howie Kendrick
RF Gary Matthews Jr.
CF Torii Hunter
1B Kendry Morales
LF Juan Rivera
DH Mike Napoli
C Bobby Wilson
SS Erick Aybar
The Angels are off on Thursday, but Joe Saunders will pitch in a minor league game. Kelvim Escobar, well ahead of schedule in his recovery from shoulder surgery, will throw batting practice -- 35 to 40 pitches -- for the second time this week and could be ready to pitch in a camp game by Sunday. Relievers Jose Arredondo and Jason Bulger will also pitch in camp games.
Manager Mike Scioscia said Vladimir Guerrero, who underwent surgery on his right knee last October, will make his Cactus League debut -- possibly in right field but probably at designated hitter -- Friday against Arizona in Tempe Diablo Stadium. Reserve outfielder Reggie Willits is out for a couple of days because of a tight groin.
-- Mike DiGiovanna