Angels unveil a new lineup -- again
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Angels Manager Mike Scioscia used more than 130 different lineups last year. But four games into the new season he’s already on pace to better that mark.
When Erick Aybar was removed from the batting order late Sunday morning Scioscia was forced to write out his fourth different lineup of the season -- and with Maicer Izturis moving from third base to shortstop, it was the Angels’ fourth different infield combination as well.
“Erick was a little stiff today on his side,” Scioscia said. “So we’re going to give him today [off] and give him tomorrow and let him be ready for Tuesday.”
With the wind gusting up to 45 mph and blowing out to right field, it could be a tough day for starting pitchers Scott Kazmir and the Royals’ Bruce Chen -- and a good day for the hitters.
“Hit the ball in the air today,” Angels slugger Vernon Wells told his teammates after walking in from the windy parking lot.
The lineups:
Angels
SS -- Maicer Izturis
2B -- Howie Kendrick
DH -- Bobby Abreu
RF -- Torii Hunter
LF -- Vernon Wells
3B -- Alberto Callaspo
1B -- Mark Trumbo
C -- Jeff Mathis
CF -- Peter Bourjos
P -- Scott Kazmir
Kansas City Royals
2B -- Mike Aviles
CF -- Melky Cabrera
LF -- Alex Gordon
1B -- Billy Butler
DH -- Kila Ka’aihue
RF -- Jeff Francoeur
3B -- Wilson Betemit
SS -- Alcides Escobar
C -- Brayan Pena
P -- Bruce Chen
-- Kevin Baxter in Kansas City, Mo.