But Escobar would be quite a boon to a bullpen that has struggled this season. Going into Sunday's game, the Angels' relief ERA (6.35) was the highest in baseball and relievers had been charged with 10 of their first 17 losses. Escobar has pitched in relief at times during his career and was even a closer for the Blue Jays.

"That's something we would consider but not right now," Scioscia said. "The first goal is to see where Escy is. Can he get to 90, 100 pitches and maintain his stuff? Because this guy, when he's right, is one of the best starting pitchers in our league."

Escobar has built up to 45 pitches in simulated games at the Angels' extended spring training camp in Arizona and will probably make two more starts before beginning a minor-league injury-rehabilitation assignment.

RANGERS 3, ANGELS 0: The Angels were shut out for the first time this season and swept in Texas for the first time since Sept. 2007. RHP Scott Feldman and three relievers held the Angels to five hits, all singles. Jered Weaver held the Rangers scoreless through six innings but gave up five hits in the final two innings when the Rangers scored all their runs.

--RHP John Lackey will start Monday against the Seattle Mariners, two days after lasting just two pitches in his first start of the season. Lackey was ejected after hitting Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler with a pitch. The rest of the rotation will remain the same with each starter getting an extra day off before his next start.

--OF Gary Matthews Jr. returned to the starting lineup Saturday and Sunday and went 3-for-8 against his former team. Matthews was sidelined earlier in the week by tightness in his lower back.

RHP Ervin Santana (sprained elbow ligament) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He pitched in extended spring training in late April, and he started a rehab assignment with Class A Rancho Cucamonga on May 4. He made a rehab start for Class AAA Salt Lake on May 9, and he was activated May 14.

RHP John Lackey (elbow inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He began a throwing program April 6. He pitched in extended spring training in late April, and he made rehab starts for Class AAA Salt Lake on May 5 and May 10. He was activated May 16 to start against the Rangers but was ejected after just two pitches. The Angels adjusted their rotation to schedule Lackey to start May 18.

RF Vladimir Guerrero (torn right pectoral muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 16. He will miss at least a month. He began running the bases April 28, and he was doing defensive drills in early May. He began taking live batting practice May 15.

RHP Dustin Moseley (nerve irritation in right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list April 18. He was slowed in mid-May by a nerve problem in his neck injury, which was affecting him during his rehab at extended spring training.

RHP Kelvim Escobar (right shoulder surgery in July 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 4, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 22. He started pitching in extended spring training in mid-May, and he could start a minor league rehab assignment in late May.

LHP Joe Saunders