Japan opener feels like a stretch

TORONTO -- While officials in the commissioner’s office tout the opportunity to open next season in Japan, Angels players appear decidedly lukewarm toward the concept.

The Boston Red Sox, featuring Japanese star Daisuke Matsuzaka, reportedly are in line to start next season with two games in Tokyo, against an undetermined West Coast club.

The Red Sox and their opponent each would lose one home game.

“I wouldn’t want to do it if one of the home games comes from us,” outfielder Garret Anderson said. “I’d rather be playing the home games at home than in Japan.”

General Manager Bill Stoneman said the Angels have not been asked to play and would not discuss whether he would be interested until the club receives an invitation.

The 16-hour time difference could pose a competitive disadvantage, forcing clubs to risk jet lag upon return, even if they end spring training early to accommodate several open days between the two games in Japan and the resumption of the schedule in the United States.

“It would be a great opportunity to go and experience Japan and see their culture,” pitcher Justin Speier said. “For me, personally, the travel and the layover can hinder a club getting started on the year.

“I’d rather start the season well-rested than fighting jet lag.”

Said outfielder Gary Matthews Jr.: “You think about how much fun it could be, to be an ambassador for the game. Then you think about the travel and say, ‘Whoa.’ The different experience and the different culture might outweigh the flight.”

The Angels could not have picked a worse comeback spot for Ervin Santana, whose fragile confidence played a role in his demotion to the minor leagues.

Not only will he rejoin the Angels for today’s doubleheader at Boston -- his career earned-run average there is 12.38, his road ERA this season is 8.79 -- he will start the night game. So, instead of facing Clay Buchholz, who will be making his major league debut this afternoon, Santana draws Red Sox ace Josh Beckett.

“He isn’t pitching against Beckett,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “He’s pitching against the Red Sox.”

Scioscia opted to start his ace, John Lackey, in the day game so he could pitch “instead of waiting around until 7:00.” Lackey flew to Boston on Thursday afternoon, because the team was not scheduled to arrive at its hotel there until 2:30 a.m.

In five starts at triple-A Salt Lake, Santana is 2-1 with a 5.01 ERA. He figures to return there after tonight’s game, at which time Scioscia said the Angels could activate second baseman Howie Kendrick.

Catcher Mike Napoli (hamstring) still cannot run at full speed and probably won’t be activated for at least another week. . . . Bartolo Colon (elbow) will pitch a simulated game Saturday and then probably start a rehabilitation assignment. If Colon does not return by the Aug. 31 deadline for postseason eligibility, the Angels still could include him on a playoff roster by substituting him for a pitcher on the disabled list. . . . Outfielder Juan Rivera (leg) moved to Salt Lake to continue his rehabilitation assignment, after three games at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga.

bill.shaikin@latimes.com