HOUSTON — A day after Cameron Maybin had one of the most productive days of his career — stealing four bases and scoring four runs — he was not in the Angels lineup.
Manager Mike Scioscia said Saturday that it was a pre-planned day off for Maybin, who had been out for 10 days with an oblique injury before Friday.
“We wanted to get him in the lineup and give him a day to bounce back and get him back in there,” Scioscia said. “As hard as he played last night, he had a terrific game, this is a good recovery day for him. We’ll get him back in there tomorrow and then start to get him in on a regular basis.”
Maybin said he was “fine” and he had talked to Scioscia about this plan before Friday’s game.
VALBUENA, CRON SPLITTING TIME
C.J. Cron started at first, with Luis Valbuena on the bench on Saturday. The Angels have only recently begun to deal with the crowded situation provided both players. For most of the season, one of them has been hurt or in the minors.
Scioscia said he can also give Yunel Escobar some time off at third, with Valbuena starting there, in order to get at-bats for Valbuena and Cron.
“Both guys have been struggling a little to get into their game,” Scioscia said. “I think Luis is hopefully turning the corner, Cron too. It’ll be good to have both those guys swinging the bats well. We’ll give them enough at-bats to make sure they get into their game.”
ALSO
Garrett Richards is going to be re-evaluated when the Angels return home in the upcoming week, Scioscia said. Scioscia said Richards undergoes periodic tests to gauge whether he can resume throwing. Richards said last week that he’s been making progress, even though he hasn’t thrown yet…
Doug Fister is scheduled to make his second start with Triple-A Salt Lake City on Sunday. Fister gave up one run in five innings, with seven strikeouts, in his first start on Tuesday. Fister’s contact includes an out clause if he’s not in the majors by June 21…
Veteran outfielder Michael Bourn, who the Angels signed last week to a minor-league deal, hit .241 (7 for 29) in his first seven games at Triple-A. Bourn gives the Angels added outfield depth while Mike Trout is on the disabled list. It seems his most likely route to the big leagues would be if another current major league outfielder gets hurt or if Eric Young Jr. goes into a slump.