--The Angels were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position Tuesday and have started the season 14-for-67 (.209) in those situations. "There's been one theme in these first seven games, and it's our hitting with guys in scoring position," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We're getting guys on base. That's obviously the first step. ... But we're leaving way too many guys on base."
BY THE NUMBERS: 0.00 -- RHP Nick Adenhart's ERA for 2009.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We are all in shock. Obviously, seeing Nick pitch last night and do so well -- such a bright future, such a bright kid. It's difficult at this time to put into words just how deeply Nick will be missed." -- Angels GM Tony Reagins, on the death of RHP Nick Adenhart.
The Angels' inventory of starting pitchers was already depleted with John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Kelvim Escobar starting the season the disabled list. The death of Nick Adenhart further depleted the rotation. The Angels shuffled their rotation for the weekend series against Boston, allowing them to put off the issue of how to replace Adenhart on the mound until Saturday in Minnesota. Though the options are limited, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said the team will stay within the organization to fill the short-term need until Lackey, Santana and/or Escobar are able to return.
--LHP Darren Oliver will make his first start since 2004 when he steps into the Angels' rotation Saturday in Minnesota. Oliver threw three shutout innings in relief Tuesday, his longest outing since another three-inning relief stint for the Angels on July 23, 2007. Oliver, 38, has made 228 career starts, more than half of his big-league appearances.
--With LHP Darren Oliver going into the rotation temporarily, the Angels optioned OF Reggie Willits to Triple-A and promoted RHP Rafael Rodriguez to their bullpen. Rodriguez, 24, has made two relief appearances for Salt Lake this season, allowing one run on three hits in two innings.
--RHP Shane Loux made his first major league start since Sept. 24, 2003, when he was with the Tigers and faced the Royals. "Six years -- it's been quite a journey," said Loux, who sat out one season after Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow and another season after being released by the Mariners. "It's pretty special for obvious reasons."
RHP Kelvim Escobar (right shoulder surgery in July 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 4. He experienced a setback in early April, and he was shut down from throwing for a few days. He had been scheduled to start a rehab assignment April 9, but the team scratched those plans.
RHP John Lackey (elbow inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He began a throwing program April 6.
RHP Ervin Santana (sprained elbow ligament) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He might resume throwing off a mound by April 12. He was expected to miss at least the first month of the season.
LHP Joe Saunders
RHP Jered Weaver
