Four Angels regulars to make spring debut; Torii Hunter a no-go
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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Chone Figgins, Erick Aybar, Juan Rivera and Howie Kendrick will make their exhibition debuts in today’s game against the Seattle Mariners, but center fielder Torii Hunter, who was expected to play, did not make the trip to Peoria because of a tight hamstring. Manager Mike Scioscia said Hunter’s injury, suffered in Wednesday’s workout, ‘shouldn’t set him back.’
There was plenty of other news on the injury front this morning, most of it good for the Angels. Vladimir Guerrero, recovering from an October knee surgery, ran in spikes today for the first time this spring. He is yet to sprint but has been ‘running at a good pace,’ Scioscia said. Guerrero is expected to play in games in mid-March.
Catcher Mike Napoli, recovering from shoulder surgery, has extended his long-toss program to 90 feet and has not had any major setbacks. ‘He’s breaking through adhesions, the normal stuff after surgery,’ Scioscia said. ‘Some days he’s going to be sore; some days he’s going to feel great.’
Napoli appears to be a long-shot to catch on opening day. ‘It’s still a possibility,’ Scioscia said, ‘but one thing is for certain --out of the chute -- it would be a stretch to think he’ll be able to catch every day.’
Pitcher Jered Weaver has increased his bullpen work to 50-pitch sessions and should be ready to start a Cactus League game in a week to 10 days. Minor league catcher Hank Conger, who was unable to catch for most of 2008 because of a shoulder injury, has increased his long-toss program to 200 feet.
Pitcher Ervin Santana, however, is experiencing a little tightness in his arm and may have his next Cactus League start pushed back.
The lineup for today’s game against Seattle:
3B Chone Figgins
SS Erick Aybar
LF Juan Rivera
1B Kendry Morales
DH Mike Napoli
2B Howie Kendrick
C Jeff Mathis
RF Terry Evans
CF Reggie Willits
P Shane Loux
-- Mike DiGiovanna