Rangers (63-50)
Leonys Martin, CF
Elvis Andrus, SS
Ian Kinsler, DH
Adrian Beltre, 3B
A.J. Pierzynski, C
David Murphy, LF
Mitch Moreland, 1B
Jurickson Profar, 2B
Engel Beltre, RF
Pitching: RH Yu Darvish (10-5, 2.66 ERA)
Angels (51-60)
Kole Calhoun, 1B
Mike Trout, CF
Josh Hamilton, RF
Mark Trumbo, DH
Erick Aybar, SS
J.B. Shuck, LF
Chris Nelson, 3B
Grant Green, 2B
Chris Iannetta, C
Pitching: RH Garrett Richards (3-4, 4.18 ERA)
- An MRI on Howie Kendrick‘s left knee revealed only a sprain, and no structural damage. The Angels are still unsure if he’ll have to go on the disabled list, but they’ll give it four or five days to see.
- In the meantime, the Angels called up Green, who was acquired from the A’s in exchange for Alberto Callaspo last week. It looks like he’ll get the majority of his playing time at second base, where he’s most comfortable. Right-hander Daniel Stange was optioned to Triple-A, bringing the Angels back to 12 pitchers and 13 position players.
- Peter Bourjos is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday (the same day Jason Vargas will throw five innings/75-80 pitches). He still has pain in his right wrist, so he just figures he’ll have to play through it and maybe have a minor surgical procedure in the offseason. He can’t make it any worse, so it basically comes down to how much pain he can tolerate.
- Sean Burnett is slated to have the surgical procedure to fix his torn flexor tendon on Wednesday, performed by Dr. James Andrews. He’s expected to be fully healthy and ready to go for the start of Spring Training.
- As you probably noticed, Iannetta is starting again, against a right-hander. That makes just one start for Hank Conger in the last eight games. Here’s what Mike Scioscia said about the catching situation: “Hank’s going to get time. Chris’ defense is starting to play a lot more, and that’s important. At the plate, he’s been pretty consistent with what he’s done. He’s taken his walks, I think he’s starting to feel a little more comfortable in the batter’s box. But I think primarily on the defense side, he’s doing a good job. And if he matches up on the offensive side, he’ll get some playing time. Hank’s going to play. At times, one guy is going to do it more than the other. And right now, Chris is feeling a little more comfortable right now.”
- In case you were wondering about Robert Coello, who’s been nursing right shoulder inflammation since June 9 … he isn’t expected back this year. He’s still rehabbing in Arizona and hasn’t played catch in like two months.
– Alden
