Hunter returns to lineup against Nationals; Walden to remain as closer

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Torii Hunter is back in the lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the Washington Nationals, the first start for the Angels right fielder since he crashed into the wall while making a catch in the fifth inning of last Wednesday night’s game in Florida.

Hunter entered Monday night’s game as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning and popped out to the catcher in his only at-bat.

Manager Mike Scioscia also said that Jordan Walden would remain in the closer role despite the right-hander’s three blown saves in his last three opportunities, including Monday night, when he gave up a two-out, score-tying home run to Danny Espinosa in the ninth inning.

‘I think Jordan is going to be fine,’ Scioscia said. ‘The outing in Dodger Stadium [on Sunday] was rough, and even though he blew the save in Florida [last Wednesday] he pitched well. And he wasn’t that far off [Monday] night, so we’re going to stick with him.’

The Angels lineup: SS Erick Aybar, RF Torii Hunter, DH Bobby Abreu, LF Vernon Wells, 2B Howie Kendrick, 3B Alberto Callaspo, 1B Mark Trumbo, C Hank Conger, CF Peter Bourjos, PJoel Pineiro. The Nationals lineup: CF Roger Bernadina, RF Jayson Werth, 3B Ryan Zimmerman, LF Laynce Nix, 1B Michael Morse, 2B Danny Espinosa, C Wilson Ramos, DH Matt Stairs, SS Ian Desmond, P Jason Marquis.

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-- Mike DiGiovanna