Ervin Santana looks sharp in Angels’ 3-2 win over Rangers

Reporting from Surprise, Ariz. -- Angels right-hander Ervin Santana continued to show no ill effects from a comebacker that hit him in the throwing shoulder earlier this month. He gave up only one run and five hits in five innings of a 3-2 exhibition victory over the Texas Rangers in Surprise Stadium Saturday.

Santana, who has 2.19 earned-run average in 12 1/3 spring innings, struck out two and walked two against a lineup of Rangers regulars, his only blemish Ian Kinsler’s solo home run to lead off the fifth inning.

“So far, so good,” said Santana, who threw 74 pitches. “I’m working on my location. The shoulder is good. When it’s time to pitch, I forget about that and pitch.”

Kendrys Morales, who had been sidelined for almost two years because of a broken left ankle, continued his strong comeback, capping a two-run sixth inning with a run-scoring single to right field. It was the third straight start for Morales, who has five hits, including a home run, in the three games.

Mark Trumbo, making his first start of the spring in right field, also doubled in the fifth, took third on Jorge Cantu’s grounder to first and scored on a wild pitch, and Alexi Amarista continued to make a strong push for a utility spot.

The speedy and versatile Amarista, who can play shortstop, second base and all three outfield spots, had a run-scoring double in the sixth and is batting .368 with 10 runs batted in this spring.

“His versatility is a huge asset for us and for his chances of making the team,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “He can play six positions, and he’s having a terrific spring at the plate.”

Though Amarista, 23, is still developing as a player, the Angels don’t view him as a prospect they’d prefer to play every day in the minor leagues instead of once or twice in the big leagues.

“If there’s a role for him in the big leagues, if he’s going to win games for us in a utility role, we’re going to give that a lot of weight,” Scioscia said.

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Ervin Santana looks sharp in Angels’ 3-2 win over Rangers