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Clips

(May 28, 2015)

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Today’s Clips Contents FROM THE LOS ANGELES TIMES (Page 3)

Angels acquire outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis from Mets

Shaky Richards loses to Andrew Cashner, 5-4

Angels' offense still isn't enough in 5-4 loss to San Diego Padres FROM THE OC REGISTER (Page 5)

'Oh my!': Watch Angels pay tribute to Cooperstown-bound announcer Dick Enberg

Angel Stadium food guide: Critic Brad A. Johnson offers what to eat (or not), how long it takes and more

Angels pick up outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis from Mets

Angels' Collin Cowgill could be headed to the DL

Angels Notes: Grant Green gets a shot at second base

Baldoquin aggravates muscle strain, return not close

Angels' struggles continue in loss to Padres

On deck: Tigers at Angels, Thursday, 7 p.m. FROM ANGELS.COM (Page 18)

In search of outfield depth, Angels acquire Nieuwenhuis

Giavotella will continue to receive regular ABs at second

Trout enjoying Harper's success from afar

Richards on loss to Padres: 'I gave it away'

Joyce's HR not enough as Angels drop finale

Krauss appears headed for Minors, Cowgill to DL

Wilson, Farmer start series opener at Angels Stadium FROM FOX SPORTS (Page 25)

Richards 'gave it away' in Angels' loss to Padres

Baseball analysis is hard FROM THE LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS (Page 26)

Angels’ Matt Shoemaker encouraged by outing against Padres

Angels can’t muster enough offense, fall 5-4 to Padres in series finale FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (Page 29)

Cashner pitches Padres to 5-4 win over Angels

Tigers-Angels Preview

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FROM THE LOS ANGELES TIMES

Angels acquire outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis from Mets By BILL SHAIKIN The Angels bought some modest outfield depth on Wednesday, acquiring Kirk Nieuwenhuis from the New York Mets for cash. Nieuwenhuis, 27, batted .079 for the Mets this season, with no home runs, two walks and 17 strikeouts in 38 at-bats. He is a career .230 hitter, with a .302 on-base percentage and .676 OPS. The Angels have the lowest on-base percentage and OPS in the major leagues. Their left fielders -- in the position manned last year by the banished Josh Hamilton -- are batting .173 with one home run. Nieuwenhuis, who bats left-handed, was designated for assignment by the Mets last week. The Mets selected him from Azusa Pacific in the third round of the 2008 draft. He would figure to compete with fellow left-handed hitters Marc Krauss and Efren Navarro on the Angels' depth chart.

Shaky Richards loses to Andrew Cashner, 5-4 By BILL SHAIKIN KEY MOMENT: With the score tied, 3-3, Angels ace Garrett Richards started the seventh inning by walking the Padres' Alexi Amarista, who was batting .188. Austin Hedges then dropped a bunt, but Richards dropped the ball for an error — his second of the game. Richards got the next two batters, which would have ended the inning if he had not made the error. But Justin Upton singled home the go-ahead run and Matt Kemp singled home an insurance run, with the two unearned runs as the difference. AT THE PLATE: Outfielder Matt Joyce hit his second home run of the season, in 131 at-bats. Rookie catcher Carlos Perez drove in two runs, one on a two-out single and the other on a two-out double. Perez has driven in eight runs in 43 at-bats this season; incumbent Chris Iannetta has driven in nine runs in 97 at-bats. ON THE MOUND: Richards (4-3) was shaky all evening, pitching into the seventh inning but retiring the Padres in order only once. He gave up five runs — three earned — and eight hits in 62/3 innings. In addition to the dropped throw in the seventh inning, he dropped a feed from Albert Pujols while covering first base in the third inning. NEW KID IN TOWN: The Angels acquired outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, 27, from the New York Mets. He is expected to join the team Thursday and start against right-handed pitching. Nieuwenhuis batted .079 for the Mets this season, with no home runs in 38 at-bats. But he had an .855 OPS against right-handed pitching last year, a figure exceeded only by Mike Trout among this year's Angels. The Mets designated Nieuwenhuis for assignment last week; the Angels bought his contract for a little more than $20,000.

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UP NEXT: C.J. Wilson (2-3, 3.36) faces the Detroit Tigers' Buck Farmer (0-0, 0.00) on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. at Angel Stadium. TV: Fox Sports West. Radio: 830, 1330.

Angels' offense still isn't enough in 5-4 loss to San Diego Padres By BILL SHAIKIN Mike Scioscia leans to the bland side in his public comments. Criticism is delivered behind closed doors, not to the media. So it was startling to hear the Angels manager deliver a blunt assessment of the state of the team's offense. "We're not going to be as good as we were last year," Scioscia said Wednesday, "but we shouldn't be as bad as we are right now." The Angels led their league in runs last year. They rank next to last this year. They reported for work Wednesday saddled with the worst OPS (on-base plus slugging) in the major leagues. This is not early. June is days away. So, after the Angels added to their supporting cast Wednesday, acquiring outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis from the New York Mets, General Manager Jerry Dipoto was quick to assure fans the search for offense would continue. "We'll be looking for the remainder of the trade season," Dipoto said before the Angels' 5-4 loss to the San Diego Padres. The Angels have scored more than four runs in one of their last nine games. Dipoto cannot try to solve the Angels' one glaring hole. There are too many. This has gone beyond the loss of Howie Kendrick and Josh Hamilton. The OPS of every regular player — even defending American League most valuable player Mike Trout — is lower this year than last. Of course, Trout is at .929, still in the top 10 in the league. He and outfielder Kole Calhoun are the only regulars above the league average. "If it were up to one guy, we've got as good a one guy as anybody," Dipoto said. "It takes a lineup to score runs, not one guy. "There were no warning signs that these guys were going to go out and start throwing up seasons that were 25% below what they would ordinarily do. At some point, the other shoe will drop, and we'll start seeing some offense." Even if the Angels got well enough to isolate one weakness and try to improve it, they might not have the ability to trade for an impact player. That the Angels have considered Ben Revere of the Philadelphia Phillies, who has the lowest OPS of any regular left fielder in the National League, speaks to their dilemma.

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With the farm system devoid of quality prospects among position players, the Angels might well be forced to consider whether to trade from the pitching depth — Andrew Heaney, Sean Newcomb and Nick Tropeano at the head of the class — that Dipoto finally has cultivated. "We're not looking to trade from our pitching depth unless we have to," he said. "We worked long and hard to acquire it. "We're not ready to move in that direction yet. There is still so much season left. Quite frankly, you try to fix something now, you cost yourself pitching depth, and many different things that could happen along the way would tell you that was the wrong way to go." On Wednesday, ace Garrett Richards lost the Angels' latest close game. More than half their games, 24 of 47, have been decided by two runs or less. The pitching staff cannot relax because the offense cannot deliver a rout. "Some guys are nowhere near where they need to be," Scioscia said. "They'll get it going. In the meantime, it puts a lot of pressure on our staff, and particularly our bullpen. We're putting up a lot of zeros and not turning it into wins." The San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers have risen from the alleged dead already this season. Dipoto believes the Angels can do the same. "We put together this team, and we have faith in these players," Dipoto said. "We're not ready to punt on an entire club." The Angels (23-24) fell into third place in the AL West on Wednesday. They are 61/2 games out of the division lead, same as they were when they awoke on Memorial Day, the traditional baseball barometer. "We're not buried in last place in the standings," Dipoto said. "We have everybody within reach." And, he told a reporter: "It may be time for you to panic. We're not. We'll be OK."

FROM THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

'Oh my!': Watch Angels pay tribute to Cooperstown-bound announcer Dick Enberg

BY MARCIA C. SMITH

The Angels honored one of their legendary voices before Tuesday night’s game against the San Diego Padres, celebrating radio and TV announcer Dick Enberg. Angel Stadium used to be his home and the Angels his center of attention. Both remain dear to the broadcaster known for always wearing a suit, tie and smile and always bringing his distinctive voice,

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energy and smooth cadence to an older generation of Angels fans who would know him with their eyes closed. Enberg, 80, will be inducted into Cooperstown in July as the 2014 Ford C. Frick Award-winning announcer, joining Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully, among others, in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Since 2010, Enberg has called play-by-play for the Padres, the visitors who won, 4-0, on Tuesday night in 10 innings. Enberg used to call games for the home team for 10 seasons (1969-78) and for 40 games in 1985. Before Terry Smith and before Rory Markas, Enberg brought the Angels into our living rooms. Though he went on to work for NBC during the 1980s, lending his voice to the NFL and Wimbledon, he said he has always remained a fan of the Angels. During Game 7 of the 2002 World Series, Enberg was on a return flight to San Diego from working a Kansas City Chiefs game when he learned that the Angels had beaten the San Francisco Giants. The pilot made the announcement. Enberg remembered that he wept at his seat, so overjoyed that the Angels had won. Before Tuesday’s game, Emberg stood at the mound with Angels hitting coach Don Baylor, Angels assistant athletic training Rick Smith and former Angels All-Star second baseman Bobby Grich – all part of the team during Enberg’s Angels career. Enberg, who is nursing a torn labrum in his right shoulder, delivered the ceremonial first pitch to former Padres-turned-Angels closer Huston Street. The ball sailed wide of the plate but Street recovered, reunited with Enberg and joked, “I thought you threw me a cutter.” Street signed the ball for Enberg as a souvenir. Enberg’s most prized present of the evening was a pair of custom cowboy boots worn by Gene Autry, “The Singing Cowboy” and late and former Angels owner who started the AL expansion team in 1961 and brought it to Orange County in 1966. During the night’s broadcast on Fox Sports San Diego, Enberg spoke of how encouraging Autry had been to him as young play-by-play man. The man who had so eloquently called the action in so much sports history – when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird battled in the 1979 NCAA Championship, when Denver quarterback John Elway engineered the “The Drive” in the 1987 AFC Championship, when John Wooden and UCLA won national titles and when Nolan Ryan hurled no-hitters for the Angels – was suddenly choked up when it came to describing his affection for the Angels. He showed off the boots during his broadcast, noting the embroidered “A” at the heels for Autry’s “Flying A Ranch” and the scuff marks on the soles. He cherished the boots, much like his Angels memories.

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Autry’s wife, Jackie, who personally donated the boots, visited Enberg in the booth. So did Angels owner Arte Moreno and his wife, Carole. Then Enberg got back to work, perched behind the plate and behind the microphone, again at Angel Stadium. The Voice continued.

Angel Stadium food guide: Critic Brad A. Johnson offers what to eat (or not), how long it takes and more

BY BRAD A. JOHNSON

I dined at every single food concession at Angel Stadium so that everyone else doesn’t have to. I found a great cheeseburger, some wretched barbecue and county-fair-worthy hand-dipped corn dogs. I learned that a fancy gourmet sausage topped with grilled onions is not better than the most basic, unadorned Angel Dog. I also realized that just because a concession carries the name of a famous chain, the product might bear little resemblance to the real deal. Here are the good, the bad and the hidden charms of dining at Angel Stadium: ANGEL WINGS Menu: Buffalo-style spicy chicken wings, garlic fries and chicken tenders Location: Section 207 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Fast Verdict: If you like traditional Buffalo-style hot wings, in which the predominant flavor is Tabasco sauce and not the chicken itself, then you know exactly what to expect from these. Chance of heartburn: 100 percent. The chicken tenders are strikingly similar to what you can get from the freezer section at Costco. BATTERED UP (New this year) Menu: Hand-dipped corn dogs, funnel-cake fries and churros, plus the same chicken tenders and garlic fries found elsewhere Location: First and third base food courts (replaced Jack in the Box) Seating: Yes Alcohol: Yes Service: Excruciatingly slow Verdict: The corn dogs and funnel-cake fries are great. The churros are just OK. Maybe it’s because they’re new, but this is one of the slowest concessions in the park. THE BIG CHEESE (Critic's favorite)

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Menu: Grilled cheese, bacon grilled cheese, short rib grilled cheese, tomato soup, Angel Dogs Location: Section 211 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Very slow. The line is long, and the cooks move at a snail’s pace. Fortunately, you have a good view of the game while you wait. Verdict: The short rib grilled cheese is one of the best things to eat in the entire park, made with real cheddar and slow-cooked beef short ribs. Beware: The bacon grilled cheese is wretched, thanks to poor-quality bacon that’s 99 percent fat and not even the slightest bit crisp. The tomato soup tastes just like canned tomato soup from your childhood. BURGER BITES (New this year) Menu: Steamed burger sliders served on King’s Hawaiian rolls, made simply with meat, cheese, a “special sauce” that tastes like Miracle Whip and bun. Location: First and third base food courts (replaced Jack in the Box) Seating: Yes Alcohol: Yes Service: Quick and easy Verdict: The sliders are extremely basic, sort of like White Castle burgers, if that means anything to you. Their beauty lies in their simplicity. They are good, but not amazing. BROKEN BAT CLUB Menu: Angel Dogs (two sizes) and peanuts Location: Sections 112, 412 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Fast Verdict: This abbreviated quick-serve kiosk can be the quickest line in the park if all you want is a basic hot dog. CHILI CHEESE FRIES Menu: French fries, sweet potato fries, chili cheese fries, garlic fries, funnel-cake fries Location: Section 130 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Fast Verdict: As frozen fries go, these are actually quite decent. The chili tastes like it comes from a can. Otherwise, no big surprises here. CHRONIC TACOS Menu: Tacos, burritos, tostada bowls and nachos made with carne asada, carnitas or grilled chicken. Location: Section 240 Seating: No, but you can usually find a spot to eat at the adjacent beer patio Alcohol: No Service: Excruciatingly slow. This is consistently one of the longest lines in the park. Verdict: If you’ve ever been to a Chronic Tacos outside the park, lower your expectations dramatically before you get in line here. The tacos are good, but they are definitely different than what you’ll find at

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actual Chronic Tacos restaurants. The carnitas tacos are probably the best choice. The burrito fillings are of 99 percent beans and 1 percent meat. The nachos here are exactly the same as everywhere else in the stadium, made with Tostitos and liquid American “cheese.” THE COOP Menu: Similar to Grandstand, but with more candy. Angel Dogs, bratwurst, Italian sausage, nachos, hot chocolate Location: Sections 103, 416, 517 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Fast Verdict: Nothing fancy here, just the most basic hot dogs and nachos. The kids meal includes a small dog, bag of pretzels and small soda. DIAMOND CLUB LOUNGE (Critic's favorite) Menu: All-you-can-eat buffet with gourmet salads, charcuterie, street food and desserts, plus a short menu of additional appetizers and entrees, including steak, pork chop and sushi. An à la carte bar menu is also available in the dining room and includes a gourmet burger and sweet-spicy chicken wings. Location: Field level at Home Plate Gate, directly behind home plate. Seating: Indoor and outdoor, full service Admittance: Club-level ticket holders and suite owners may reserve tables inside or on the patio up to three days in advance using opentable.com. Patio tables go quickly. Indoor tables are much easier to come by; of course everyone wants to sit by the window, but not everyone can. Once seated, there is no time limit. What it costs: The buffet costs $45 per person and includes choice of entree. Some entrees incur $10 additional charge. Beverages extra. Alcohol: Yes, extensive selection Service: Leisurely Verdict: Although the steak isn’t exactly steakhouse-quality, it is still very good. The desserts are superb. The drinks are strong. The view is spectacular. The service is professional and sincere. Overall, a great experience. GARLIC FRIES Menu: All fries, all the time Location: Sections 130, 334, 416, 517, third base food court Seating: Food court only; other locations takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Fast Verdict: As frozen fries go, these are actually quite decent. The garlic is potent, and soon you will be too. GRANDSTAND Menu: Hot dogs, nachos, snacks, ice cream (at some locations), hot chocolate Location: Two dozen locations throughout the park, but only the following concessions offer soft-serve ice cream: 103, 232, 239, 412, 429 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes

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Service: Fast Verdict: Nothing fancy here, just the most basic hot dogs and nachos. The kids meal includes a small dog, bag of pretzels and small soda. GRANDSTAND FEATURING FARMER JOHN Menu: Same as Grandstand (hot dogs, nachos and snacks), plus Farmer John bratwurst and Italian sausage dogs served on fancier buns with grilled onions. Location: Sections 412, 514 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Fast Verdict: Surprisingly, the “gourmet” dogs are gross. The buns are heavy and dry, and the onions are loaded with grease. You’re much better off with a simple Angel Dog, which has better flavor and a better bun. HOME PLATE GRILL FEATURING FARMER JOHN Menu: Big outdoor grill serving hamburgers, bratwurst, Italian sausage, jumbo dogs, Angel Dogs Location: Gate 3 Seating: Yes Alcohol: Yes Service: Slow Verdict: This is the only place in the stadium (not counting the Club Level venues) that sells a burger. But is it good? Meh. The bun is too thick and dry while the beef patty is cooked to oblivion, so it’s hard to get very excited about it. The best thing at this concession is actually the basic hot dog, which is just like an Angel Dog but cooked on an outdoor grill, giving it more of a char. The gourmet dogs here are just as greasy and unappealing as the Farmer John specialty dogs at select Grandstands. ITALIAN ICE (Critic's favorite) Menu: Sweet Italian shaved ice Location: Mobile cart, section 234 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: No Service: Fast Verdict: Sweet, cold and refreshing. Italian ice is to a snow cone what espresso is to regular coffee. JERSEY MIKE'S SUBS Menu: Abbreviated list of sandwiches from the Jersey Mike’s sandwich chain: beef or chicken, spicy or regular Location: Sections 255, 424, 526 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: No Service: Incompetently slow Verdict: If you have ever been to a Jersey Mike’s sandwich shop and liked it, or unless you are already extremely drunk, you will be severely disappointed with the sloppy, poorly constructed and low-quality sandwiches being passed off here as Philly cheesesteaks. Do not waste your time standing in this long line.

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MELISSA’S FARM STAND Menu: Prepackaged salads and a turkey sandwich Location: Sections 232, 317, 417 and first, third base food courts Seating: Food courts only Alcohol: Yes Service: Extremely fast because you are the only person in line Verdict: The vegetarian burger is no longer offered. The prepackaged salads and turkey sandwich are very similar to what you might find in the deli case at 7-Eleven or Circle K. This concession is always a ghost town. OGGI'S PIZZA (Critic's favorite) Menu: Individual cheese or pepperoni pizza, Angel Dogs Location: Sections 209, 239, 317, 334, 417 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Fast Verdict: The pizza is very good, made with quality cheese and spicy pepperoni, served piping hot. NACHO NACHOS Menu: Nachos made with high-sodium Tostitos brand “tortilla” chips and processed American “cheese” goop. Location: Sections 107, 122, 203, 223, 259, 412, 424, 425 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Fast Verdict: The quintessential junk food made from highly processed ingredients, served in massive portions. It is what it is, and people love it. PANDA EXPRESS Menu: Rice bowls with kung pao or orange chicken, plus egg rolls Location: Sections 226, 420, 522 and third base food court Seating: Food court only Alcohol: No Service: Fast Verdict: It seems to be precisely the same sweet, ketchupy-flavored Americanized Chinese food that this chain serves elsewhere, but with a much more limited selection. SHOCK TOP BREW PUB (Critic's favorite) Menu: Full-service gastropub, formerly the Knothole Club, serving barbecue chicken wings, deviled eggs, one-third-pound gourmet burgers, lobster rolls and cheesecake, plus extensive beer and cocktail selection Location: Section 348, Club Level Seating: Indoor and outdoor, full service Admittance: Club-level ticket holders may reserve tables in the gastropub or on the patio up to three days in advance, via opentable.com. Non club-level ticket holders may gain access on a first-come, first-served basis after the first pitch. Once seated, there is no time limit.

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Alcohol: Yes, extensive selection Service: Leisurely Verdict: The gourmet burger is fantastic. Also great: the lobster roll, cheesecake and Margaritas. Skip the house-made cheese dip and the anemic deviled eggs. SMOKE RING BBQ Menu: Barbecue beef brisket, pork ribs, kielbasa and bone-in chicken, plus the Legends Dog (formerly a secret item, now officially on the menu) Location: Gate 1 (full menu); Section 237 (sandwich only) Seating: Gate 1 only Alcohol: Yes Service: Very, very slow. The longest line in the park. Verdict: This is simply not good barbecue. The brisket and ribs are obviously cooked too fast to be called barbecue. The brisket is so tough, it requires a better knife than the plastic utensils provided. The ribs are dry and chewy, with very little meat. The chicken portions are huge, but not particularly delicious or worth the price. The macaroni and cheese is seriously wretched. The best option here is the kielbasa or the Legends Dog; the latter is essentially an Angel Dog with chopped brisket on top, but you’ll have to ask yourself whether you want to endure that long, long wait for an average hot dog topped with subpar brisket. SPUDS Menu: Garlic fries, chili cheese fries, carne asada fries, chicken tenders Location: Section 130 Seating: Yes, at adjacent food court Alcohol: Yes Service: Slow Verdict: As frozen fries go, these are actually quite decent. The chili tastes like it comes from a can. The carne asada fries are sort of like nachos made with potatoes instead of chips; everything gets extremely soggy very quickly. The chicken tenders are the processed, frozen variety that is strikingly similar to what you can get at Costco. SWEET SHOPPE Menu: Kettle corn, cotton candy, soft-serve ice cream, ice cream sandwiches, candy Location: Sections 103, 124, 232, 412, 429 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Fast Verdict: Excellent soft-serve ice cream, which goes great with kettle corn. WETZEL'S PRETZELS Menu: Pretzels Location: Section 127 Seating: No, takeaway only Alcohol: Yes Service: Fast Verdict: It’s just a pretzel. Nothing more, nothing less.

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Angels pick up outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis from Mets

BY JEFF FLETCHER

ANAHEIM – Kirk Nieuwenhuis, you’re the next contestant ... While Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto waits for trade possibilities to emerge as the July 31 deadline approaches and teams loosen the grip on their players, he took a no-risk flier on a player he hopes can help. The Angels, who seem to be trying anything to spark their offense, on Wednesday acquired Nieuwenhuis from the New York Mets for cash considerations. Nieuwenhuis, who was designated for assignment by the Mets, will be added to the Angels roster Thursday. The Angels will option Marc Krauss to Triple-A to make room for Niewenhuis. Dipoto said the Angels are still looking to add a more significant player to help kick start the offense. In the meantime, he is hoping Nieuwenhuis can help simply by providing something they don’t have. Nieuwenhuis is expected to get a chance to start against most right-handed pitchers, playing left field or possibly center or right when Mike Trout or Kole Calhoun get a break as the designated hitter. That would likely move Matt Joyce to DH against righties. A former third-round pick, Nieuwenhuis, 27, hits left-handed and can play all three outfield positions well. He is essentially Collin Cowgill, with a little better minor league resume, from the other side of the plate. Once Nieuwenhuis arrives, he will likely take the roster spot and playing time that had belonged to Krauss. Unlike Krauss, though, who was mostly a DH who could play first and some corner outfield, Nieuwenhuis is a good defensive outfielder with some speed. “Left-handed hitting multi-position outfielders are not something we’re swimming in,” Dipoto said. Nieuwenhuis, who is out of options, has hit .230 with .676 OPS in parts of four major league seasons. He was batting .079 with a .257 OPS in 40 plate appearances for the Mets this year, a disappointing start after he hit .322 with a .412 on-base percentage in the spring. In the minors, Nieuwenhuis is a career .274 hitter with an .818 OPS. This season at Triple-A Las Vegas - a hitter-friendly ballpark - he was hitting .265 with 11 homers and an .831 OPS. Krauss and Efren Navarro are the best left-handed hitting outfield options between the majors and Triple-A. Nieuwenhuis is the only one of the three who can play center field. He’s also the fastest of the group.

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“It’s a nice piece to add to the group,” Dipoto said. “Give him an opportunity to see if his physical ability, his athletic ability, his minor league performance will translate, like we’ve done with some other guys.” The Angels are searching for a left-handed bat to add to their lineup, against right-handed pitchers, because they are last in the majors in average against right-handed pitchers. Nieuwenhuis has been slightly better against right-handed pitchers, with a career .243 average and .717 OPS. Last year, between the majors and minors, he hit .270 with an .865 OPS against right-handers. The Angels designated right-handed reliever Chad Smith for assignment to make room for Nieuwenhuis on the 40-man roster. Smith, 25, has a career 2.97 ERA in the minors, but he had allowed nine runs and 18 hits in 8 1/3 innings with Triple-A Salt Lake since the Angels acquired him.

Angels' Collin Cowgill could be headed to the DL

BY JEFF FLETCHER

ANAHEIM – Collin Cowgill seems to be headed to the disabled list. Cowgill, who hurt his right hand during batting practice Sunday, was evaluated by doctors before Wednesday's game. Afterward, when Manager Mike Scioscia was asked for an update on Cowgill, he said there would be an "announcement," but the Angels did not announce anything. Cowgill said that he had been able to hit "a little bit," during pregame drills, certainly not an encouraging sign if he is to be able to be fully active. If Cowgill does go on the disabled list, the presence of newly acquired Kirk Nieuwenhuis would be even more important. Nieuwenhuis can play all three outfield positions, like Cowgill. However, the Angels did not simply swap Nieuwenhuis for Cowgill on the roster. Marc Krauss will be optioned to make room for Nieuwenhuis, so another move would be made if Cowgill goes on the DL.

Angels Notes: Grant Green gets a shot at second base

BY JEFF FLETCHER

ANAHEIM – Grant Green spent his winter preparing for a shot to be the Angels starting second baseman. Then he struggled in the spring and found himself being converted to a super utility role, mostly playing left field. So when he got his first start since being recalled from the minors, he was playing … second base.

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“It’s nice,” Green said. “I feel comfortable there. I have felt comfortable there for a long time. It’s nice to get back in the infield and play kind of where I want to play.” Green said even though he’s been playing left and first base mostly at Triple-A, he has still been working out every day at the middle infield positions. Manager Mike Scioscia said that Green will get opportunities at second, but he gave the impression that slumping Johnny Giavotella would remain the starter. “Johnny is still going to get a lot of playing time,” Scioscia said, “but we’re certain ly going to spot Grant in there, and also Taylor (Featherston) at times. Johnny, even with this little downturn, there are things he’s doing at the plate that are important.” ALSO Cory Rasmus, who is out recovering from abdominal surgery, could start a minor league rehab assignment within a week, Scioscia said. Rasmus will then need a few weeks in the minors before he’s ready to be activated, because he missed most of spring training… Angels Triple-A pitching coach, replaced Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher for the day on Wednesday. Butcher was attending his daughter's graduation... Chris Iannetta got the start at designated hitter. Scioscia said Iannetta has been swinging better lately, so they wanted to let him continue to get at-bats, while still giving Carlos Perez a chance to play.

Baldoquin aggravates muscle strain, return not close

BY KYLE GLASER

Shortstop Roberto Baldoquin will not be rejoining the Inland Empire 66ers anytime soon. Sixers manager Denny Hocking said Wednesday he received a report that Baldoquin aggravated his strained left lat muscle while rehabbing at the Angels spring training facility in Arizona and his timetable has been set back. “For him to be out this long, I think there’s more in there (in his lat area) that we’re not f inding,” Hocking said. “That’s what I think. I’m not around it, but I hope there’s something more because he needs to be on the field to develop his skills.” Baldoquin, 20, has been on the disabled list since April 23 with the injury, which he originally suffered diving to his left for a ground ball in San Jose. The touted Cuban defector signed with the Angels for $8 million last offseason but hit just .154 in 11 games with Inland Empire before going on the DL. “There’s a lot of skill there, we saw it when he was here,” Hocking said. “We just need to get him back on the field.”

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Angels' struggles continue in loss to Padres

BY JEFF FLETCHER

ANAHEIM – The Angels’ hitters have not left their pitchers much room for error. On Wednesday night, Garrett Richards made a few – with his pitches and while fielding his position – and it was too much for the Angels to overcome in a 5-4 loss to the San Diego Padres. Richards gave up five runs, the last two unearned after he failed to make a play on a sacrifice attempt. In the big picture, neither Richards’ pitching nor his defense is as pressing an issue as the Angels' continuing offensive troubles. They actually raised their average by scoring four runs. The Angels went into the game ranked 26th in the majors in runs per game, 29th in batting average and 30th in OPS, all disturbing numbers this deep into a season for a team with high hopes. Manager Mike Scioscia said before the game that the Angels should be better, even without making any personnel changes, simply by having their players get to their potential. “I think the group of guys here that we have, if you just look at the potential from last year, not going back three or four years, there is a lot of improvement that can be tapped into on the offensive side,” Scioscia said. “We’re not going to be as good as we were last year, but we shouldn’t be as bad as we are right now.” General Manager Jerry Dipoto, who made a modest pickup in outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, has been working the phones to try to come up with an impact addition. However, it’s tough to do at this time of year, with most teams still clinging to hopes they will improve rather than dealing their assets. “We’ll be looking for the remainder of the trade season for ways we can get better, but we’re still in the final week of May,” Dipoto said. “This is not naturally the time of the season when you can acquire impact players.” Dipoto also said the offense has been so bad that one move won’t fix it. “Quite frankly our offensive struggles have run deep enough there is quite a bit that needs to go right for us to get our offense back on track,” he said. “We’re not a single bat away from figuring out what has ailed us offensively. We have a number of players who have quite frankly gone out and not done what they have historically done. We have faith that they will. ... It takes a lineup to score runs, not one guy.” One of the key players the Angels have been waiting to produce is continuing to show signs of improvement. Matt Joyce walked and hit a tying homer in the sixth inning. Over his last 13 games, Joyce is hitting .263 with a .404 on-base percentage.

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The Angels' other runs were produced by catcher Carlos Perez, one with an infield single and one with a double. In the eighth, Kole Calhoun’s sacrifice fly drove in Mike Trout. Immediately after the Angels tied the score on Joyce’s homer against Andrew Cashner, the Padres bounced back with two runs in the seventh. Alexi Amarista drew a leadoff walk. Catcher Austin Hedges, a Junipero Serra product playing his first major league game at Angel Stadium, bunted, and Richards bobbled the ball. Richards got the next two outs, but he then gave up RBI singles to Justin Upton and Matt Kemp.

On deck: Tigers at Angels, Thursday, 7 p.m.

BY JEFF FLETCHER

Where: Angel Stadium TV: Fox Sports West, 7 p.m. Did you know: The Angels have won nine of the past 10 games against Detroit at Angel Stadium. THE PITCHERS LHP C.J. WILSON (2-3, 3.36) Off to a great start to his season, Wilson is coming off back-to-back shaky outings. He gave up eight runs in 11 innings, and the Angels lost both games. Wilson is still throwing strikes (61.2 percent) and first-pitch strikes (59.4 percent) at rates slightly higher than his career averages. Vs. Padres: 0-0, 0.00 At Angel Stadium: 23-16, 3.33 Loves to face: Derek Norris, 5 for 26 (.192) Hates to face: None RHP BUCK FARMER (0-0, 0.00) The 24-year-old will be making his 2015 major league debut. He has an 11.57 ERA in 91/3 major league innings, last year. He was 5-1 with a 2.98 ERA at Triple-A this season, allowing 41 hits in 51 1/3 innings. He has averaged 8.8 strikeouts and 3.3 walks per nine innings. Vs. Angels: First game At Angel Stadium: First game UPCOMING MATCHUPS Friday: Tigers RHP Anibal Sanchez a(3-5, 6.12) vs. Angels LHP Hector Santiago (3-3, 2.47), 7 p.m., Fox Sports West Saturday: Tigers RHP Shane Greene (4-3, 4.27) vs. Angels RHP Jered Weaver (3-4, 4.06), 7 p.m., Fox Sports West Sunday: Tigers LHP David Price (4-1, 2.97) vs. Angels RHP Matt Shoemaker (3-4, 5.44), 5 p.m., ESPN2

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FROM ANGELS.COM

In search of outfield depth, Angels acquire Nieuwenhuis By Alden Gonzalez ANAHEIM -- Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto made it clear from the start. "We're not looking for him to be a savior," he said of left-handed-hitting outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, acquired from the Mets for cash considerations on Wednesday morning. "We're looking for him to be a piece of a club." When Nieuwenhuis arrives, likely for Thursday's series opener against the Tigers, he'll join a club with statistically the worst offense in the Major Leagues. The Angels entered Wednesday with a .646 OPS that ranked 30th of 30 Major League clubs. Their OPS against right-handed pitching, .627, was even worse. They need productive left-handed hitters in their lineup, and Dipoto will eventually add at least one and maybe two impact bats to help improve the Angels' offense. But it's still too early. "A lot of what has to happen with this team will have to happen with this group here," Dipoto said. "We're going to continue to scout the league, we're going to continue to look at ways we can get better. But as a general rule, these guys are all healthy, they all had really good Spring Trainings, and they know what they are in their careers. And at some point, that's going to start turning in the other direction. We're in the last week of May. This is not ordinarily the time to go access a new offensive group." The Angels have considered the likes of Ben Revere, Adam Lind, Brandon Moss and Andre Ethier, to varying degrees. Michael Brantley is the ideal fit, but the Indians won't move him. Carlos Gonzalez is too pricey, and the Angels have only mild interest in Ben Zobrist, who was recently activated off the disabled list by the A's, sources have said. The front office could eventually pluck from its starting-pitching depth to access a bat or two, but few teams are willing to trade significant players at this juncture, and the Angels themselves want the season to play out a little longer to get a better feel for where their needs lie. Nieuwenhuis is a low-risk addition that could help in the short term. He was designated for assignment last week and is out of options, but the Angels can send Marc Krauss to Triple-A -- where Efren Navarro currently plays - to maintain their depth of left-handed bats. Nieuwenhuis, 27, can play all three outfield positions and posted an .855 OPS in 120 plate appearances against righties last season. The Santa Monica, Calif., native has posted a .230/.302/.374 slash line in 226 plate appearances in the big leagues the last four years and was hitting .265/.319/.512 in Triple-A in 2015.

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Against righties, Nieuwenhuis will likely start in left field, with Matt Joyce serving as the designated hitter. "There are a lot of ways he can fit," Dipoto said. "We don't' have that versatile, multi-position left-handed hitter in the outfield and maybe this guy can do it. We'll give him an opportunity."

Giavotella will continue to receive regular ABs at second By David Adler ANAHEIM -- Angels second baseman Johnny Giavotella, who was out of the starting lineup for the third time in the last eight games on Wednesday, will continue to receive regular playing time at second, manager Mike Scioscia said before the Angels' series finale against the Padres. Giavotella had two hits in Monday's 4-3, walk-off win, and has hit safely in three straight games, but he was just 3 for his previous 31. "You gotta talk to Scioscia about that," Giavotella said of his recent games coming off the bench. "I have no idea. I'm not making the lineup." With utility man Grant Green recently called up from Triple-A and starting Wednesday's game, Scioscia was asked whether the starting second baseman would be based more on day-to-day matchups going forward. "Johnny's still probably going to get a lot of playing time, but we're certainly going to spot Grant [Green] in there and also Taylor [Featherston] at times," Scioscia said. "Johnny, even with this little downturn, there's things he's doing at the plate that are important. He'll continue to get a lot of playing time at second." Giavotella said he didn't think his slump was the result of any specific issue that needed addressing. "I'm feeling good," he said. "I had a hit in Boston, two a couple days ago -- big knock in the ninth to help us win -- a couple of good at-bats yesterday, so I'm feeling good at the plate." Worth noting • Reliever Mike Morin, placed on the DL with a left-oblique strain on Saturday, is getting better, but the recovery is a matter of "weeks, not days," Scioscia said. • Right-hander Cory Rasmus, out since undergoing surgery for what the team called a core injury in late March, is currently throwing in simulated games in Arizona, Scioscia said Wednesday. He'd still have to go out on a rehab assignment after that, which could start in the next week or so. • Cuban shortstop Roberto Baldoquin, who began the season with Class A Advanced Inland Empire, recently suffered a setback with the strained lat muscle that has kept him out of the lineup since April 22. Baldoquin felt weakness in his left shoulder in his second rehab game in Arizona, but follow-up tests

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confirmed only a strain. The 21-year-old will continue to rehab in Arizona. There's no timeline for his return. • Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher was away from the team on Wednesday while attending his daughter's graduation. Triple-A Salt Lake pitching coach Erik Bennett took his place. • In an unusual move, Scioscia started both of his catchers -- Chris Iannetta and Carlos Perez -- on Wednesday, with Iannetta serving as the designated hitter. "[Iannetta] was just kind of warming up, and we hate to get him out of that rhythm when we also need to play Carlos," Scioscia said.

Trout enjoying Harper's success from afar By Alden Gonzalez ANAHEIM - Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is in the midst of an impressive breakout season, but he still defers to Mike Trout, recently telling ESPN.com that the Angels' center fielder is "the best player in baseball, and I don't think anybody can argue with that." Trout saw Harper's comments on Twitter. He smiled when asked about it before Wednesday's game. "It's good," Trout said. "Obviously we're both young guys coming up in the league. It's fun to watch when guys succeed at such a young age. Not just his offensive stats; his defensive play is standing out, too." Harper and Trout -- both really young, both really talented -- have basically been compared to one another since playing on the same Arizona Fall League team in 2011. But until this year, there wasn't really much debate. Trout was the American League's Most Valuable Player last year, and could've captured the award in 2012 and '13, too. He had established himself as the consensus best all-around player in the game, while Harper continually battled injuries and struggled to find his way. In his age-22 season, though, Harper is dominating the baseball world. Heading into Wednesday's game vs. the Cubs -- which saw him hit his league-leading 18th home run, Harper was batting .331 with a Major League-leading 1.200 OPS. He led the Majors in walks (40) and was tied for the Major League lead in RBIs (42). "He's having an unbelievable year, for sure, and he's handling it well," Trout said. "I'm sure he's getting pulled in every which direction. It's pretty special what he's doing on the field. "I knew what he was capable of doing, obviously. Coming up through the Minor Leagues and the hype around him, it's fun to watch."

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Richards on loss to Padres: 'I gave it away' By Alden Gonzalez ANAHEIM - Garrett Richards put Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Padres squarely on his shoulders. "You can't pitch like that, and not field your position, and expect to win," the Angels' young fireballer said. "These guys battled, played a great game, and I gave it away. It's a terrible feeling and something I'm going to have to eat." On his 27th birthday, Richards gave up five runs for the second straight start. Two of them were unearned -- but that was because of his own error. It came in the top of the seventh, with the score still knotted at 3 and a series win still very much within the Angels' grasp. Alexi Amarista drew a leadoff walk and Austin Hedges dropped down a sacrifice bunt. Richards ranged to his right, scooped it up, then failed to get it out of his glove for his second error of the game -- four innings after dropping a feed from Albert Pujols at first base. "If he picks up that bunt," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said, "it changes the whole complexion of that inning." Instead, the Padres had two on and none out for the top of the order. Richards retired Yangervis Solarte on a lineout and Will Venable on a pop out. But Justin Upton turned on a slider and barely got it through the left side of the infield to put the Padres on top. And Matt Kemp stayed on top of a high fastball and lined it into right field to make it a two-run game. Richards has given up a combined 10 runs (eight earned) on 17 hits and four walks in 12 2/3 innings over his last two starts, raising his ERA from 2.29 to 3.12. He's been a lot better than that, too. "Sometimes you make good pitches and they still get hit," Richards said. "That kind of comes back to the misfortune of having a little bit of bad luck right now with the ground balls and everything just kind of finding holes. You can't beat yourself up over that stuff. You have to just keep continuing to make pitches and stay aggressive. They came out on top tonight, and I feel terrible about it."

Joyce's HR not enough as Angels drop finale By Alden Gonzalez ANAHEIM -- Justin Upton and Matt Kemp came up big late, leading the Padres to a 5-4 win on Wednesday night to take two of three at Angel Stadium. With two on and two outs in the top of the seventh -- and the score knotted at 3 -- Upton snuck a grounder through the left side and Kemp dumped a base hit into shallow right field against Garrett Richards, giving San Diego a two-run lead.

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The Angels (23-24) cut their deficit to one in the eighth, when Mike Trout doubled and later scored on a Kole Calhoun sac fly. But Craig Kimbrel notched his 12th save in the ninth when Kemp threw out Johnny Giavotella at second base, as he tried to turn a single into a double. The win gives the Padres (23-25) their first series victory since May 8-10. San Diego pitcher Andrew Cashner (2-7) allowed three runs in seven innings, winning for the first time since April 19. More > MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Down the Middle(brooks): Padres third baseman Will Middlebrooks jumped on a first-pitch hanging slider from Richards with one on in the fourth inning, connecting for his sixth home run of the season. With the Padres scuffling on offense, Middlebrooks might be heating up at the right time. He had two hits for his third multi-hit game in the last four. Glove issues: Richards gave up five runs, and though only three of them were earned, the two unearned runs came on his own error. In the seventh, four innings after dropping a feed from Albert Pujols at first base, Richards bobbled a sacrifice bunt by Austin Hedges. Two batters later, Upton and Kemp won the game with back-to-back RBI singles. Angels pitchers have accounted for 10 of the club's 29 errors this season. "If he could've picked that bunt up, you could be looking at a little different situation," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. Two-out misery: Cashner's stuff was electric at times, but he couldn't quite escape a few innings unscathed. In fact, the three runs he allowed -- all to hitters in the bottom half of the order -- came with two outs. The game-tying home run by Matt Joyce in the sixth hurt the most. "I thought I could've made some better pitches. My defense really picked me up tonight with some big plays, and the offense was swinging the bats really well," said Cashner, noting the Padres turned two big double plays behind him. Taking a chance: Giavotella came on to pinch-hit with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the Angels trailing by one and lined a base hit into right-center field. Then he got a little too aggressive. Giavotella turned the corner and tried for second, but was thrown out on a perfect throw by Kemp. "I knew that I could get in scoring position," Giavotella said. "That was my job, and that's what I was trying to do. I don't regret going … and I'd do it again if I had the chance." QUOTABLE "We know our pitching is good. It just hasn't clicked so far [offensively]. It seems we either don't pitch and hit really well. It's a matter of getting those two to click together." – Middlebrooks "You can't pitch like that, and not field your position, and expect to win. These guys battled, played a great game, and I gave it away." -- Richards CASHING IN FOR CASHNER

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Cashner came into the game with just three runs of support in his last six combined starts. He had three runs by the fourth inning Wednesday. The five runs the Padres scored for him are the most since they scored five on April 19 against the Cubs. "He's pitched much better than the record indicates. At the end of the day, Cash is about the team, about team wins. His individual won-loss record will definitely improve," said Padres manager Bud Black. SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS In allowing a two-out RBI double to Middlebrooks in the second, Richards ended his Interleague scoreless streak at 25 innings, which was tied with Jake Peavy for fourth all-time among starting pitchers. REPLAY REVIEW The Angels asked for -- and won -- a review in the first inning when catcher Carlos Perez picked off the Padres' Yangervis Solarte at first base. Solarte was originally ruled safe but that call was overturned. In the second inning, the Angels successfully contested Erick Aybar being caught trying to steal second base. Aybar was ruled out, but the call was eventually overturned. WHAT'S NEXT Padres: The Padres open a four-game series on Thursday against the Pirates, who are one of the hottest teams in baseball, having won their last six games. Ian Kennedy (2-4, 6.11) will get the start for San Diego. He allowed three earned runs in 12 innings (two starts) against the Pirates a year ago. Angels: C.J. Wilson takes the ball at 7:05 p.m. PT on Thursday opposite right-hander Buck Farmer, when the Angels open up a four-game home series against the Tigers. Wilson is coming off back-to-back starts in which he allowed four runs vs. Toronto and Boston, raising his ERA from 2.62 to 3.36.

Krauss appears headed for Minors, Cowgill to DL By David Adler ANAHEIM -- There was no official announcement from the team, but it appears the Angels will option designated hitter Marc Krauss to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday before their series opener against the Tigers. There is also a good chance outfielder Collin Cowgill will be placed on the disabled list with a right-hand injury. After Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Padres at Angel Stadium, Krauss was packing up his things in the Angels' locker room. Manager Mike Scioscia said after the game that the team would have an upcoming announcement on recently-acquired outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who will likely join the team Thursday to replace Krauss.

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Scioscia also said there would be an announcement on Cowgill, who has been unable to hit since injuring his right hand in batting practice on Sunday. Cowgill said after the game Wednesday that "I don't know anything yet" about a possible DL stint, and that he had been able to swing a bat "a little bit" before the game.

Wilson, Farmer start series opener at Angels Stadium By Rick Eymer Angels left-hander C.J. Wilson has to be looking forward to starting Thursday night's game against the Tigers, the first of a four-game set slated for Angels Stadium. Wilson (2-3, 3.36) doesn't have sparkling numbers against the Tigers, but he does shine at night, at least so far this year. Wilson is 2-3 with a 5.49 ERA against the Tigers in 12 games, including six starts. But he's 2-2 with a 2.23 ERA in seven night games this season. Opponents hit .203 against him at night. The Tigers counter with right-hander Buck Farmer, who will be making his season debut after being called up to replace the injured kyle Lobstein (sore shoulder) in the rotation. Farmer made an emergency start for the Tigers last season and appeared in four games total. His numbers were 0-1, 11.57, but he did strike out 11 hitters in 9 1/3 innings. Things to know about this game • Tigers infielder Ian Kinsler, who snapped an 0-for-22 streak Wednesday, has to be looking forward to facing former teammate Wilson, against whom he is hitting .381 (8-for-21) with a .714 slugging percentage. • Miguel Cabrera has hit seven of his 401 home runs in Angels Stadium, his most in any American League West stadium. He's hit 13 total against Angels pitching. • Albert Pujols has hit eight of his 528 home runs against the Tigers, his second-most against any team in the AL Central. The former St. Louis Cardinal has 19 homers against the Royals. • The Angels' latest acquisition, outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, will be at Angel Stadium for Thursday's game, and he might well start with the Angels facing a right-handed pitcher in Farmer.

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FROM FOX SPORTS

Richards 'gave it away' in Angels' loss to Padres

By Rahshaun Haylock Garrett Richards was hoping to celebrate his golden birthday with a win. Wednesday, however, didn't go so well for the Los Angeles Angels' starting pitcher. It went awful. Richards didn't help himself in the club's 5-4 loss to the San Diego Padres. He committed two of the Angels' three errors on the night and gave up five runs, three of which were earned, in 6.2 innings of work. While Richards didn't have his best stuff in Game 3 of the three-game set with the Padres, the three errors are the most troublesome to the right-hander. "Tonight, I gave it away," Richards said. On a Yangervis Solarte ground ball in the third inning, Richards ran over to cover first base but missed touching the bag on the Albert Pujols' flip. "I took my eye off it (and) for whatever reason, I just missed it," he said. "That's a play that has to be made." That error didn't cost him or the Angels. He was able to get out of the inning undamaged. But the play that could force him to push the birthday cake away came in the top of the seventh of a 3-3 game. After allowing a leadoff walk to Alexi Amarista, JSerra alum and Padres catcher Austin Hedges came to the plate. The Padres' rookie laid down a sacrifice to the left side of the mound. Richards, going to his right, mishandled the ball and couldn't make a throw to first. Both Amarista and Hedges would later score on RBI singles by Justin Upton and Matt Kemp, respectively, putting the Padres up 5-3 -- a lead they wouldn't relinquish. "You can't pitch like that and not field your position and expect to win," Richards said. "These guys battled and played good and I gave it away. It's a terrible feeling and something I'm going to have to eat."

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Baseball analysis is hard

By Rob Neyer This reminded me of something: @PedroMoura: After last night’s shutout, the Angels have an MLB-worst .646 OPS, behind even the Phillies. I know that’s hard to believe, but it’s true. It reminded me that the Angels scored a lot of runs last season, and it also reminded me just how hard predicting baseball can be. Last season the Angels were fourth in the American League in OPS, and first in scoring. This season they're last in OPS and next to last in scoring. Personnel changes? Sure. There have been some. But of the Angels' 10 most productive hitters last season, eight are still Angels. The only exceptions are Howie Kendrick (Dodgers) and Josh Hamilton (don't ask). Yes, their replacements (Johnny Giavotella and Matt Joyce) have fared poorly (especially Joyce). But the real problem is that with the exceptions of Mike Trout (naturally) and Kole Calhoun, the other six have all been substantially worse than last season. It was pretty clear that some of those guys were due for regression. But regression doesn't have to bite this hard, and it probably won't all season. Which does bode well for the Angels, who are somehow sitting at .500 despite their execrable hitting.

FROM THE LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS

Angels’ Matt Shoemaker encouraged by outing against Padres

By Robert Morales To say Angels right-handed starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker was a pleasant surprise in 2014 would be an understatement. As a rookie he went 16-4 with an ERA of 3.04 and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting. He had a big hand in the Angels winning the AL West title. This season has been quite different, so far. Shoemaker is 3-4 with an ERA of 5.44 through nine starts, and that ERA was at 6.29 before he tossed seven shutout innings in the Angels’ 4-0 loss to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. But those seven shutout innings had Shoemaker smiling in the Angels’ clubhouse before they took on the Padres in the series finale on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. Sure, he was bummed his team lost. The positive was the future.

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“A ton in regards to moving forward,” he said when asked what the outing meant to him. “It’s very encouraging. We actually did what we wanted to, did the right things, did the small things right and had success because of that.” Shoemaker touched on several items of note he believes have been responsible for his less-than-stellar start. “The nice thing is it was a bunch of small things, whether it was a couple of mechanical things where I was flying open, just stuff like that. Staying over the rubber, mixed in with focus and concentration, too,” he said. “A lot of this game is mental, so when you’re mentally there and your focus is there, you can have success.” In Shoemaker’s previous performance on May 21 at Toronto, he allowed eight hits and eight runs — seven earned — in six innings in an 8-4 loss. Prior to that, he came through with what had been his best start before Tuesday’s when he gave up one earned run in seven innings in a 6-1 victory on May 16 at Baltimore. What manager Mike Scioscia wants on a regular basis is more of what he saw Tuesday. “The interesting thing with Matt, Matt’s pitched like that already this year, he’s pitched some good baseball for us,” Scioscia said. “But it’s the consistency that hasn’t been there. What we need from Matt is — he’s not necessarily going to go out there and give you seven shutout innings every time — we need things more in line (with) what he did last night on a consistent basis from him, and that’s what we got last year. “If he can do that, that is huge for us. But if he’s going to be hit or miss, then obviously it’s going to be a struggle for us to absorb maybe the innings. There is no doubt about the results he got last night are what he’s capable of. But we need to see that more consistently.” Shoemaker’s ERA was as high as 6.61 after he gave up six earned runs in three innings in the Angels’ 6-5 loss on May 9 at Angel Stadium. ANGELS ACQUIRE NIEUWENHUIS The Angels on Wednesday announced a trade with the New York Mets that will bring to Anaheim outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who played his college ball at Azusa Pacific University. The Angels received Nieuwenhuis for cash considerations and he’s expected to join the team today. He was struggling mightily at the plate, with just three hits in 38 at bats (.079 average) for the Mets. He brings defensive versatility as he can play all three outfield positions, and he does hit left-handed. “He’s going to give us a little balance with the left-handed bat,” Scioscia said. “Hopefully, he’ll be able to give us a little deeper look against the right-handed pitching.” Nieuwenhuis, 27, has played parts of four major-league seasons. He has a career batting average of .230 with 13 home runs and 60 RBIs in 527 at-bats.

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Scioscia said a corresponding move would be made later Wednesday night.

Angels can’t muster enough offense, fall 5-4 to Padres in series finale

By Robert Morales The Angels on Wednesday entered their series finale against the San Diego Padres as a break-even team at 23-23. That’s not surprising when statistics showed the Angels ranked last in the American League in batting average (.232), on-base percentage (.289) and OPS (.646). They were second-to-last in runs scored (171) and slugging percentage (.357). “I don’t think we’ve put it all together yet,” cleanup hitter Kole Calhoun said before the first pitch. “I think we’ve got some stuff that we can do better on the offensive side.” The Angels managed four runs, but they were a buck short as the Padres defeated them 5-4 before 36,180 at Angel Stadium. The Angels (23-24) have lost four of five; the Padres (23-25) have won two in a row. The top of the seventh sealed the Angels’ fate when an error by starting and losing pitcher Garrett Richards led to two unearned runs via RBI singles by Justin Upton and Matt Kemp that broke a 3-3 tie. With Alexi Amarista on first on a walk, Austin Hedges laid down a bunt that Richards fielded and dropped, both runners being safe. Richards got the next two batters before Upton and Kemp delivered. “I think I just went to throw the ball before I caught it,” said Richards, who also made an error in the third inning. “I feel totally responsible for this game. You can’t pitch like that and not field your position and expect to win. These guys battled, they played good and I gave it away.” The Angels tried to rally off relief pitcher Brandon Maurer in the bottom of the eighth, but the best they could do was a run on a double by Mike Trout and sacrifice fly by Kole Calhoun to get close. Richards (4-3) pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed five runs — three earned — on eight hits while striking out six and walking two. The victory went to Andrew Cashner (2-7). He entered with a team-best ERA of 2.89, but the Padres had only scored five total runs in his six previous starts. He went seven innings and gave up three earned runs on eight hits, with six strikeouts and one walk. Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth and picked up his 12th save, but not before pinch-hitter Johnny Giavotella singled to right with two outs. Giavotella tried to take second and was gunned down by Kemp to end the game. Angels manager Mike Scioscia had no issue with Giavotella’s decision. “No,” he said, when asked if his pinch-hitter was too aggressive. “They made a good defensive play and Johnny had a good read on it, the ball was right in front of him. He was running the whole way. At first

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we definitely thought he had a good shot at second and Kemp made a terrific throw. It’s baseball, and in that situation getting in scoring position is important.” Exactly Giavotella’s thinking. “I was trying to get in scoring position with two outs,” he said. “Against a guy like Craig Kimbrel, you need to get in scoring position. It’s going to be really hard to get a couple of hits back-to-back, so I was trying to make it easy for Erick (Aybar) just to get a base hit so I can score and tie the game up. ... I don’t regret going. I wanted to get in scoring position, like I said, and I’d do it again if I had the chance.” Richards gave up an RBI double to Will Middlebrooks in the second inning and a two-run home run to Middlebrooks in the fourth. The Angels got their first three runs on an RBI single by Carlos Perez in the second, an RBI double by Perez in the fourth and a home run to right field by Matt Joyce in the sixth to tie the game 3-3. Perhaps the happiest guy in the Padres’ clubhouse was Cashner, whose run support has been virtually non-existent. “We had a lot of big hits tonight, Will hit the big home run and we put together a lot of good at-bats against them,” Cashner said. “When I had the lead early in the game, I thought I could have made some better pitches. But our defense really picked me up tonight with some big plays and our offense was swinging the bats really well.”

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Cashner pitches Padres to 5-4 win over Angels ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The five runs the San Diego Padres scored against the Los Angeles Angels must have seemed like five dozen to Andrew Cashner, who has been waiting quite a while for his teammates to reward him for his consistent pitching. Justin Upton and Matt Kemp hit two-out RBI singles in the seventh inning and Will Middlebrooks had a two-run homer to help give Cashner all the support he would need as the Padres beat the Angels 5-4 on Wednesday night. "It was awesome," Cashner said. "We had a lot of big hits tonight. Will hit the big home run and we put together a lot of good at-bats against them. When I had the lead early in the game, I thought I could have made some better pitches. But our defense really picked me up tonight with some big plays and our offense was swinging the bats really well." Cashner (2-7) allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings and struck out six in the rubber game of the interleague series. The right-hander, making his Angel Stadium debut, had received only three total runs of support in his previous six starts since beating the Chicago Cubs 5-2 on April 19.

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"Cash has been pitching his butt off and we hadn't been scoring runs for him, so we really wanted to get a W for him tonight," said Middlebrooks, who opened the scoring with an RBI double. Manager Bud Black added: "Cash, for the most part, has pitched well enough to win a number of games -- and he's pitched much better that his record indicates. At the end of the day, Cash is about the team and team wins. But it's always nice to have a win by your name -- and his won-lost record will definitely improve." Cashner handed a 5-3 lead to Brandon Maurer, who gave up a sacrifice fly to Kole Calhoun in the eighth before Craig Kimbrel got three outs for his 12th save in 13 attempts. Pinch-hitter Johnny Giavotella singled with two outs in the inning and tried to stretch it into a double, but Kemp threw him out from right field. "I was trying to get in scoring position with two outs," Giavotella said. "Against a guy like Craig Kimbrel, you need to get in scoring position because it's going to be really hard to get a couple of hits back to back. I don't regret going, and I'd do it again if I had the chance." Garrett Richards (4-3) was charged with five runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings on his 27th birthday. Both San Diego runs in the seventh were unearned, after the right-hander committed his second fielding error of the game when he mishandled a sacrifice bunt to the left of the mound by Austin Hedges after a leadoff walk to Alexi Amarista. Richards came in with a 3-0 record and 0.80 ERA against National League clubs, spanning 14 appearances and seven starts. "I'll be over it by tomorrow, but it's a tough one to swallow," Richards said. "I'm just going to have to change my mix." Rookie Chris Perez drove in the Angels' first two runs with single in the second inning and a double in the fourth. Matt Joyce hit a solo homer that briefly tied the game in the sixth. Padres center fielder Will Venable did Cashner a huge favor with a diving catch in left-center on Erick Aybar for the third out in the seventh, one night after he robbed Mike Trout of a home run. "Defense a lot of times is underrated and it can bring a lot of energy to the dugout. And Will brings that every night with the way he plays defense," Black said. "We've talked about his catch in San Francisco, the one in Washington and other catcher through Will's time here. That was a really good one tonight -- and the one last night obviously speaks for itself." Richards, who has yet to allow a first-inning run in eight starts, fell behind 1-0 in the second when Derek Norris doubled and scored from third on Middlebrooks' double into the left field corner. That ended a string of 25 consecutive scoreless innings by the right-hander during interleague play -- the longest in Angels history. BAD NEIGHBORHOOD TO BE IN

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Richards, whose 2014 season ended prematurely with a knee injury that occurred in August while he was covering first base at Fenway Park, dropped a short toss from 1B Albert Pujols after a grounder by Yangervis Solarte in the third inning, but it didn't result in any runs. TRAINER'S ROOM Angels: RHP Cory Rasmus, recovering from abdominal surgery, is in the process of throwing simulated games in Arizona at the team's spring training facility. He might be able to begin a minor league rehab assignment within the next week. ... Manager Mike Scioscia said RHP Mike Morin's return from a left oblique strain will be a matter of weeks and not days. ... OF Collin Cowgill wasn't in the starting lineup for the fourth straight game because of an injured right hand. UP NEXT: Padres: RHP Ian Kennedy (2-4) will start the opener of a four-game series against Pittsburgh at Petco Park, as San Diego continues a stretch of 20 consecutive games in Southern California. Angels: LHP C.J. Wilson (2-3) opposes Buck Farmer in the opener of a four-game series against Detroit at the "Big A." The Tigers have lost 13 of their last 16 games against the Angels.

Tigers-Angels Preview Although their rotation has been decimated and their offense has hit a dry spell, the resourceful Detroit Tigers are aiming for their third consecutive victory on a seven-game western trip. They'll try to erase some bad memories on the next stop at Angel Stadium, which has been their own house of horrors. The Tigers are looking to avoid their 10th defeat in 11 road games against the slumping Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night when left-hander C.J. Wilson sets out to continue his own success at home. Justin Verlander has yet to throw a pitch because of a strained right triceps, and Detroit (28-20) is now having to scramble to fill more holes in the rotation. Alex Wilson worked three effective innings in his emergency start ahead of five others in Wednesday's 3-2 win at Oakland after Alfredo Simon left the club to see his ailing father. "It felt like a long relief outing for me," Wilson told MLB's official website. Next, the Tigers will call on right-hander Buck Farmer to make his season debut. He's replacing injured left-hander Kyle Lobstein, who had been starting in place of Verlander. Farmer went 0-1 with a 15.63 ERA in two August starts before allowing one run in three innings in two relief appearances in September. He's been pitching well at Triple-A Toledo, posting a 2.98 ERA over 51 1/3 innings.

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The Tigers hope he can help turn around their fortunes at Angel Stadium, where they've gone 15-41 since 2002. Detroit totaled two runs while dropping the last three of a four-game series there in July. The Angels have dropped four of five heading into this meeting after Wednesday's 5-4 home loss to San Diego. However, they appear to be turning to the right pitcher as Wilson (2-3, 3.36 ERA) has gone 10-2 with a 3.56 ERA in his last 18 home starts. The two-time All-Star is also 2-2 with a 2.23 ERA in seven night games this season. After going 1-1 with a 2.10 ERA over a five-start stretch, Wilson hasn't been as sharp in allowing eight runs and 17 hits over 11 innings in his last two. He gave up four runs and needed 119 pitches to make it through six in Saturday's 8-3 loss at Boston. "That's what I was most upset about, was being inefficient with my pitches, even though I had a good plan," Wilson said. Wilson is 2-2 with a 5.45 ERA in six regular-season starts versus Detroit, though he's 1-0 with a 1.98 mark in the two at home. Ian Kinsler is 8 for 21 off his former Texas teammate, but he's 3 for 32 in his last eight games. Yoenis Cespedes, 6 for 18 with four walks in the matchup, keyed Detroit's series-clinching win over the A's by going 2 for 3 with a three-run home run in the fifth inning. He has seven RBI over a six-game hitting streak at Los Angeles. Miguel Cabrera has gone just 4 for 16 with five strikeouts and one home run when facing Wilson. The superstar was batting .400 with five homers over a 13-game hitting streak before going 0 for 4 with three strikeouts Wednesday. Detroit batted .202 while totaling just four runs in the three games in Oakland, though Los Angeles (23-24) hasn't exactly lit up the scoreboard either in batting .228 and plating 12 runs in its past five. Mike Trout, who had two hits Wednesday, is just 2 for 22 over his past six meetings with the Tigers.