Angels -- well, some of them, anyway -- hit the road again

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The Angels are on the road again in Cactus League play Saturday, which means the regulars will be staying home.

Manager Mike Scioscia has given six veterans -- Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells, Bobby Abreu, Erick Aybar, Howie Kendrick and Jeff Mathis -- the afternoon off. In addition, rookie Mark Trumbo, who has seen the bulk of the spring action at first base with Kendry Morales sidelined, is also staying back in Tempe, Ariz.

Partly as a result the lineup, Scioscia’s start in Phoenix against the Milwaukee Brewers and their new manager Ron Roenicke -- Scioscia’s former bench coach in Anaheim -- features a few twists. Versatile Maicer Izturis, the probable opening day starter at third base, will play second Saturday. And Alberto Callaspo, another candidate for the third base job, will again be the designated hitter.Callaspo is still slowed defensively by a shoulder he strained playing winter ball in his native Venezuela. (Other than that, it was a good winter for Callaspo, who hit .312 with 18 RBIs in 32 games.)

Joel Pineiro will make his second start of the spring and wil go three innings, or about 45 pitches, whichever comes first. He’ll be followed by, among others, right-handers Kevin Jepsen, Jason Bulger and Jordan Walden. The Angels have yet to win on the road this spring, losing to the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch and to the Texas Rangers in Surprise, Ariz.

-- Kevin Baxter in Tempe, Ariz.