Right Off the Bat, He Has Some Misgivings

Not only will John Lackey face Cy Young Award winners in consecutive starts when he takes the mound today against the New York Mets’ Pedro Martinez -- after pitching against Atlanta’s John Smoltz on Monday -- but the right-hander has to bat against the hard-throwing Martinez.

These things happen when interleague series are played in National League parks and American League clubs lose the designated hitter.

“I’m not looking forward to that,” Lackey said. “I just want to bunt and get out of the way.”

Lackey said former teammate Aaron Sele gave him advice to take to the plate.

“He said, ‘Don’t get hurt, don’t embarrass yourself and get the bunt down,’ ” Lackey said.

Although it will be the first time Lackey bats against Martinez, he has faced him, when Martinez was with Boston.

“J-Lo was there, at our place in Anaheim,” Lackey said of actress-singer Jennifer Lopez and the game April 27, 2003.

“Up there above the dugout with whatchamacallit ... Ben Affleck.”

Was that a distraction?

“Naw, that’s motivation, bro,” Lackey said.

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Chone Figgins, batting .250 on the trip after going hitless in five at-bats Friday, was given the day off by Manager Mike Scioscia and, with the return of Vladimir Guerrero from the disabled list and the loss of the designated hitter, the utility player was the odd man out.

“It’s a good day to get him off his feet,” Scioscia said. “He’s been playing a lot.”

The versatile Figgins said he carries four gloves with him -- second base, third base, shortstop and outfield -- but could see added time as DH next week.

Figgins pinch-hit in the 10th inning and flied out to left.

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With the Puerto Rican Day parade today in Manhattan and the Angels playing the Mets in Queens, Puerto Rican-born brothers and catchers Bengie and Jose Molina are sorry to miss the celebration. Sort of.

“We have to just stay away; they go crazy over that parade,” Jose Molina said with a laugh.

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Outfielder Curtis Pride (strained right wrist) could start a rehabilitation assignment at triple-A Salt Lake on Monday, Scioscia said.... Recently signed right-hander Jered Weaver was scheduled to throw a simulated game at Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday and another on Wednesday before joining the Quakes’ rotation.