Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim

[manchild24]

John Lackey (forearm) declared himself fit to return to the majors, according to the Portland Oregonian.

Lackey recently participated in his second rehab start Sunday and felt fine after throwing 75 pitches. He also said he'd be starting Friday, although nothing official has been released by the Angels, who may have a say in his next start. Either way, Lackey figures to be back in the bigs shortly. Stay tuned.

[manchild24]

Since being optioned to Triple-A, Brandon Wood has been playing shortstop.

It's too early to figure out what the Angels' motivation in putting Wood at shortstop is. It could be to make Wood more appealing trade bait, it could be to supplant Erick Aybar, it could mean nothing. Still, it's a situation that might give light to what the Angels plan to do after the year when they clear $49 million pre-arbitration but have five big holes to fill.

[manchild24]

Angels recalled catcher Bobby Wilson from Triple-A Salt Lake.

Wilson is going to have a tough time finding at-bats behind Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli. He'll add depth at the catching position so Napoli can focus primarily on DHing, but won't carry any fantasy value.

[manchild24]

John Lackey will get the nod Saturday against the Rangers.

Lackey missed the first six weeks of the season with a strained forearm muscle. He has shown a bit of inconsistency in his rehab starts so fantasy owners who can't afford to take a risk might want to think about sitting him.

[manchild24]

Vladimir Guerrero is hitting soft toss and aggressively off a tee as he continues rehabbing from a torn pectoral muscle.

Guerrero is expected to begin taking batting practice with the rest of the team next week. He's about two and a half weeks from returning.

[manchild24]

Joe Saunders will have his next start pushed back to Friday.

Manager Mike Scioscia wants to get Saunders an extra day of rest after a complete game his last time out. The move also separates Ervin Santana and John Lackey to get "some length" between the two pitchers just beginning their seasons.

[manchild24]

Brandon Wood hit two homers, doubled and walked Wednesday for Triple-A Salt Lake.

Not that it seems to matter, but Wood is now hitting .351/.439/.877 with eight homers in 57 at-bats for Salt Lake.

[manchild24]

According to the L.A. Times, the Angels are close to inking veteran reliever Rudy Seanez to a minor league contract.

Seanez, 40, went 5-4 with a 3.53 ERA in 42 games last season for the Phillies. He'll start out at Triple-A Salt Lake, where he'll provide middle relief depth. The Angels' bullpen boasts a 2-9 record, a major league-worst 6.90 ERA and five blown saves this season.

[manchild24]

Angels optioned RHP Rafael Rodriguez to Triple-A Salt Lake.

Rodriguez posted a 4.91 ERA and 3/3 K/BB ratio in 11 innings with the Angels. The club needed a roster spot for Thursday's starter, Ervin Santana.

[manchild24]

With Ervin Santana and John Lackey returning from the disabled list, Shane Loux will head back to the bullpen.

Loux went 2-2 with a 4.64 ERA in six starts and is taking the move in stride. "I'm not blind -- the goal of the team was to get those guys back, and I've understood where I stand from day one," said the 29-year-old. "I'm excited to go to the bullpen."

[manchild24]

Vladimir Guerrero (torn pectoral) will begin taking batting practice Friday, according to manager Mike Scioscia.

Details on Guerrero's rehab plan remained vague. He is set to participate in batting practice for "a while," but that is all that Scioscia would divulge. The slugger was initially supposed to begin hitting a ball early next week, so the fact that it was moved up a few days is a good sign. A late May return is still likely.

[manchild24]

Angels optioned RHP Anthony Ortega to Triple-A Salt Lake on May 11.

Ortega allowed 19 hits and 13 earned runs in 12 2/3 innings before the Angels finally gave up on him. He's no longer needed now that John Lackey and Ervin Santana are healthy enough for the starting rotation

[OKCL]

Palmer completely dominated yesterday.

[manchild24]

I forgot all about my Angels and giving some news on the thread. We're not looking good tonight though

[OKCL]

That umpire must be on crack, spoiling Lackey's debut. :beatup: