"It has been making my back not feel very good," Saunders said. "I'm taking pain pills for my back, and it feels better."
Scioscia had better news about other injured Angels as the AL West champions prepare for the playoffs.
Third baseman Chone Figgins (right elbow injury) returned to Sunday's lineup as the leadoff batter. Outfielder Juan Rivera (right hip) could return "possibly (Monday) or Tuesday," Scioscia said.
Scioscia said second baseman Howie Kendrick (left hamstring) "feels great. We'll evaluate him every day."
All three players are expected to be available for the postseason.
"With Rivera and Kendrick hitting down deep in the lineup, it's a deep lineup," Scioscia said.
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ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - John Lackey and the Los Angeles Angels look like they're primed for a deep playoff run.
MLB roundup
Sunday's action
- Dice-K stays perfect on road
- Yanks close stadium with win
- Moyer helps Phils boost lead
- ChiSox maintain Central lead
- Liriano deals Twins a winner
- Brewers end losing streak
- Lackey handcuffs Rangers
- Giants top Dodgers in 11
- D-backs keep hope alive
- Baek picks up win for Pads
- Tribe doubles up rival Tigers
- Dempster wins 17th for Cubs
- Mets bullpen blows up in 8th
- Oswalt wins again for Astros
- A's complete sweep of M's
More on MLB:
- O'Connor: This choke is different
- Ringolsby: Santo should be in Hall
- Perry: Chaotic finish looms
- Perry: Why have D-backs regressed?
Photo gallery:
- PHOTOS: September in full swing
- PHOTOS: Zambrano fires no-no
Family Friendly Ballpark Guide:
See what makes each ballpark special, inside and out, by touring the T-Mobile Family Ballpark Guide.
Milestone tracker:
Follow Randy Johnson's quest for 300 wins and Gary Sheffield's chase for 500 HR in the AT&T Milestone Tracker.
Lackey gave up two hits and struck out a career-high 12 in six shutout innings, Mark Teixeira and Sean Rodriguez homered, and the Angels completed a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers with a 7-3 victory Sunday.
Lackey (12-4) walked three and allowed only two runners to reach third as the AL West champs continued their playoff tuneup.
"I feel pretty confident," Lackey said. "When you go out there that way it helps."
