Vernon Wells returns to Angels’ lineup; Scioscia discusses bullpen management for doubleheader

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Vernon Wells, who was scratched from the lineup Friday night because of a stomach ailment, is back in left field for the Angels for Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics.

Wells said he could not keep food or liquids down for most of the day Friday, but by late in Friday night’s 5-3 loss to the A’s, he was feeling better and available to pinch hit.

Today will be the Angels’ first scheduled doubleheader since 1978. Manager Mike Scioscia said he would ‘consider’ using the same reliever in both games, but his preference is to avoid it.

‘You never know where a game is going to take you, and you try to set yourself up to have everyone available,’ Scioscia said. ‘But if you run into a 13-inning game, that could change things.’

If the Angels hold a slim lead in the late innings of the first game, Scioscia will use setup man Scott Downs and closer Jordan Walden. He will not hold either reliever back for Game 2.

‘Like any game, if pitchers are available who can help you win a game, you don’t hold them back,’ Scioscia said. ‘You might have a save situation in Game 1, save a guy for Game 2 and there is no need for that reliever. You kind of play the hand your dealt.’

The Angels Game 1 lineup: SS Erick Aybar, RF Torii Hunter, DH Bobby Abreu, LF Vernon Wells, 3B Alberto Callaspo, 2B Howie Kendrick, 1B Mark Trumbo, C Jeff Mathis, CF Mike Trout, P Jered Weaver.

The Athletics lineup: 2B Jemile Weeks, CF Coco Crisp, DH Josh Willingham, LF Hideki Matsui, 3B Scott Sizemore, RF David DeJesus, 1B Conor Jackson, C Kurt Suzuki, SS Cliff Pennington, P Trevor Cahill.

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-- Mike DiGiovanna in Oakland