Scioscia leaning toward 12-man pitching staff
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SURPRISE, Ariz. -- With Jered Weaver a step behind the other starting pitchers and no definitive long man in the bullpen, Angels Manager Mike Scioscia is leaning toward opening the season with 12 pitchers instead of the traditional 11.
“Some of it is the length of the starters—Weaver might not be as long as we need,” Scioscia said of the right-hander, who was slowed earlier this spring by shoulder tightness. “We want to be covered with some depth.”
John Lackey is scheduled to start the April 6 season opener against Oakland and will probably be followed in the rotation by Joe Saunders, Weaver and Dustin Moseley.
Nick Adenhart appears to have a slight edge over Shane Loux for the fifth rotation spot, but on a 12-man staff, Loux could have an edge over Jason Bulger for a long-relief role.
If the Angels carry 12 pitchers, Scioscia said there is “no way” they could carry three catchers, which would nullify any chance of Mike Napoli, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, opening the season on the active roster if he’s not ready to catch.
--Mike DiGiovanna