Weaver, Napoli perform well in Angels’ 4-1 loss to Arizona Diamondbacks

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Jered Weaver looked sharp during a three-inning stint, and Mike Napoli’s spring power surge continued with his third Cactus League home run in the Angels’ 4-1 exhibition loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Tucson Electric Park Friday.

Weaver, who is aligned in the rotation to start opening day, allowed one run on a check-swing grounder, gave up three hits and struck out two in three innings, and the right-hander was very pleased with the location of his off-speed pitches.

‘I felt a lot better than I did in my last outing,’ Weaver said. ‘I was hitting my spots better. I’m making strides in the right direction.’

If Weaver does start the Angels’ April 5 season opener it would be his second consecutive opening-day start, though he got the assignment last season because John Lackey was hurt. But with Lackey gone, Weaver won’t automatically assume the title of staff ace, even he starts opening day.

‘That has to be earned,’ Weaver said. ‘It’s fine to look down the road, but no decisions have been made. I just want to keep throwing the ball well and stay healthy. We have five guys who can all be No. 1 starters. I don’t think of myself as that. I just want to take the ball every fifth day, and if it happens, it happens. I’ll keep the same approach.’

Manager Mike Scioscia hopes Napoli, who shares catching duties with Jeff Mathis, can keep the same approach he’s had at the plate so far this swing. Napoli, who has hit 20 homers in each of the last two seasons, hit a towering solo shot to center in the fourth inning Friday for the Angels’ only run.

‘It seems like he’s picked up this year from when he was hot last year,’ Scioscia said. ‘He’s on just about everything. He’ll be ready offensively, for sure.’

--Mike DiGiovanna in Tucson