OC Register: Angels regulars Albert Pujols, Ian Kinsler, Martin Maldonado get a day off vs. Blue Jays

[AngelsWin.com]

ANAHEIM — Mike Trout served as the Angels’ designated hitter for Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. His sprained right index finger prevented him from occupying his customary spot in center field and he hasn’t tried throwing and might not for a few days.

First baseman Albert Pujols wasn’t in the Angels’ lineup either.

Neither was second baseman Ian Kinsler.

Catcher Martin Maldonado sat out, too.

Refunds were unavailable for fans expecting to see the Angels’ at full strength.

Michael Hermosillo replaced Trout in center field.

Jose Fernandez filled in for Pujols at first.

David Fletcher took Kinsler’s spot at second.

Jose Briceno caught starter Jaime Barria rather than Maldonado.

“Normal days off,” Manager Mike Scioscia said of sitting down Pujols, Kinsler and Maldonado.

The Angels’ lineup had a spring training look to it, however.

“A lot goes into it when you’re making out a lineup,” Scioscia said when pressed about sitting out so many regulars at once. “When a guy needs a day off, absolutely, you can’t say, ‘Let’s wait four days from now and play maybe when you’re at risk and need a day off.’

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“All these guys need recovery days, every one of the guys. So you try to stretch it out when it’s desirable. But you’re going to have those days. Briceno has done a good job of catching Barria. Martin will be back out there (Sunday), hopefully, with Kinsler and Albert.

“I don’t think it’s odd that you’re going to have some guys out of the lineup at the same time. It’s certainly something you consider, but I think everybody agrees. Internally, we feel that Kinsler and Albert definitely need a day and Martin is in a catching rotation.”

OHTANI REVISITED

Another day, another round of questions about pitcher/DH Shohei Ohtani’s progress from an elbow injury that, at worst, could require reconstructive surgery and, at best, limit him to additional time on the disabled list. Ohtani will be re-examined Thursday by team doctors.

“It’s not like he has the evaluation and then, ‘OK, he can play,’” Scioscia said. “There certainly is a protocol for a guy who has been out for almost a month (already). First, we’re going to have to find out what he can do. We have to find out what the course of action is going to be.

“If it is just going to be hitting then we can adjust accordingly. We’re not going to have a schedule and try to have the player fit the schedule. We’re going to have the medical staff determine what his needs are and when he can get back in the lineup.”

SKAGGS UPDATE

Left-hander Tyler Skaggs said he felt “really good” after a pregame bullpen session and is expected to start Monday against the Royals in Kansas City, a makeup game for an April 15 rainout. Skaggs was scratched from Thursday’s start against the Blue Jays because of a right hamstring injury.

“He’s on pace, hopefully, to start Monday, but we’ll see how it goes,” Scioscia said.

TRANSACTIONS

The Angels claimed right-hander Hansel Robles off waivers from the New York Mets and optioned him to Triple-A Salt Lake City. Robles gave up seven homers and had a 5.03 ERA in 19-2/3 innings before he was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas and then designated for assignment Friday.

The Angels transferred catcher Rene Rivera to the 60-day disabled list in order to make room for Robles on their 40-man roster. Rivera has been on the DL because of right knee inflammation since May 20 and could be as many as three weeks away from catching in rehab games, Scioscia said.

UP NEXT

Angels (Felix Pena, 0-0, 5.40) vs. Blue Jays (Sam Gaviglio, 2-2, 3.75), Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox Sports West, KLAA (830 AM)

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