Angels Not in Favor of Schedule Change

Officials from Major League Baseball and the players’ union have approached the Angels on behalf of the Boston Red Sox to request a scheduling change that would require the Angels to play a day-night doubleheader against the Red Sox on Sept. 7 in Fenway Park.

But the Angels have no plans to accommodate the request, which was made so the Red Sox can make up a rainout against the Chicago White Sox on Monday, Sept. 5, and have an off day on Sept. 6.

The Angels are scheduled to open a three-game series against the Red Sox on Sept. 6.

“It would be difficult, at best, for our club to play a split doubleheader to reschedule a game we weren’t involved in,” Manager Mike Scioscia said.

“There are ways to accommodate teams, and we always do our best, but a split doubleheader can zap you for three or four days afterward.”

The Red Sox were hoping to get Sept. 6 off because if they play the White Sox on Sept. 5 and proceed with their remaining schedule, they would play on 30 consecutive days.

Baseball rules stipulate that teams cannot go more than 20 days without a day off without approval from the commissioner’s office and the union, via a vote of the players involved.

“We haven’t been asked to get an official vote yet,” said pitcher John Lackey, the Angels’ acting union representative, “but I have a good idea that the vote is not going to go well for [the Red Sox].”