Angels outfielder Reggie Willits likely to open season on disabled list

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Reserve outfielder Reggie Willits, slowed this spring by a right hamstring strain, likely will open the season on the 15-day disabled list, a move that would greatly enhance Terry Evans’ chances of making the team’s opening-day roster.

Outfielders Michael Ryan, who was hitting .281 with eight runs batted in through Tuesday, and Cory Aldridge, who was hitting .371 with two homers through Tuesday, have had a more impressive spring than Evans, who entered Wednesday’s exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs with a .194 average and one RBI.

But Ryan and Aldridge are both corner outfielders, whereas Evans can play all three outfield spots, so Evans’ ability to provide coverage in center field behind starter Torii Hunter almost assures that he will be on the 25-man roster for Monday night’s opener against the Minnesota Twins.

Willits, who missed two weeks in March, resumed playing over the weekend, but he will remain in Arizona to play in camp games this weekend while the Angels return to Southern California to play exhibition games against the San Diego Padres and Dodgers.

-- Mike DiGiovanna in Tempe, Ariz.