Around the Halo 4/23/2009

Another game, another bullpen horror show, another defensive meltdown and another pitcher sent to the disabled list.

Last night the Angels lost to the Tigers 12-10. Los Angeles received a career night out of Kendry Morales who drove in 5 runs and hit his first homerun of the season. Scot Shields took the loss, giving up 4 runs without getting an out. Erick Aybar made one error and also misplayed three other plays that were not ruled officially as such. Aybar cut in front of center fielder Torii Hunter for one, dropped a ball in the outfield for another, and flipped a ball to second baseman Macier Izturis for a fielders choice that if he had taken the straight 6-3 double play opportunity the Angels would have gotten out of the 6th inning unscathed.

Mike Scioscia has already sat Howie Kendrick twice this season because of his offensive struggles, now it is time to sit Aybar for his overall struggles. Hopefully Macier Izturis who is currently hot with the bat and always solid on defense or Brandon Wood will be given a start at short tonight

After the game the Halos placed left handed reliever Darren Oliver on the 15 day DL and moved Kelvim Escobar to the 60 day DL to make room for tonight's starter Matt Palmer on the 40 man roster. Palmer will be the seventh starter used by the Angels in just fourteen contests.

Another roster move will have to be made before Saturday's game when the Angels will have to call upon another starter from the minor leagues, likely Sean O'Sullivan. GM Tony Reagins will have to make yet another tweak to the 40 man roster, either designating for assignment a player or moving Vladimir Guerrero to the 60 day DL.

There could perhaps be a more than solid reliever available in the near future if Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune is correct that the Cubs may release veteran Luiz Vizcaino.

Tonight vs Tigers at 7:05 pm
TV - FSW
Radio - AM830, KFWB 980, KWKW 1130

Matt Palmer (0-0, 0.00) vs. Edwin Jackson (1-0, 2.14)