Two Molina Brothers Are Playing Catch-Up

The Angels were treated to a double dose of Molinas on Saturday, with Bengie Molina playing for the first time in two weeks and brother Jose making his spring debut.

Bengie Molina was eager to return from a tight left calf so that he could work with new teammate Paul Byrd before the season. He caught three of the five innings Byrd pitched during the Angels’ 5-3, 10-inning victory over the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium.

“I wanted to make sure I do my homework so I can be as close to being on the same page [with him] as I can be,” said Molina, who reported no lingering pain or soreness in his calf. “It’s going to be really fun to catch a guy like that; he has five pitches that he can throw for strikes any time he wants.”

Byrd is also experimenting with a palm ball, which would be a sixth pitch. The right-hander gave up five hits and three runs, striking out three and walking two. Rod Barajas and Michael Young homered for the Rangers.

“If I can eliminate the long fly balls,” said Byrd, who also induced a double-play ground ball with a sinker, “I think I’ll be a much better pitcher.”

Jose Molina, who had been slowed by a strained muscle on his left side, caught two innings before being lifted for pinch-hitter Josh Paul, who drove in the go-ahead run with a 10th-inning single.

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Second baseman Adam Kennedy has resumed turning double plays and running the bases in his recovery from knee surgery. “The real challenge is going to be getting that last 5% to 10% back, and he’s working very hard at that, but that could take some time,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. Kennedy remains on track to return in early or mid-May.... If Cuban defector Kendry Morales resolves his paperwork issues in the Dominican Republic and makes it to Arizona before the end of spring training, he will report to minor league camp instead of competing with the prospects that are still vying to make the major league roster.... Garret Anderson went hitless in three at-bats in his return from irritation in his left knee.... Darin Erstad picked up his first hit of the spring with a single and is now batting .077.... Steve Finley became the latest Angel to be afflicted with flu and did not play.