Heave-ho: Scioscia tossed in third vs. D-backs

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Manager Mike Scioscia was ejected in the third inning of the Angels' 7-4 win over the D-backs on Saturday following a heated exchange with home plate umpire Mike Cascioppo.
During an at-bat by left fielder Cameron Maybin, Cascioppo called a 1-0 pitch from Arizona starter Taijuan Walker a strike, even though it appeared low to players in the Angels' dugout. When they protested the call, Scioscia said Cascioppo, a Minor League umpire, told him to "shut up." Scioscia jumped on the rebuke, sparking an argument that eventually led to his ejection.
"I didn't say a word," Scioscia said. "He thought I said something. Guys in the dugout were saying the pitch was low. It's nothing."

Parker impressive
Right-handed reliever Blake Parker continued to make a strong push for a bullpen spot by striking out three in a scoreless seventh on Saturday. Parker, 31, lowered his spring ERA to 0.96 and has now racked up 15 strikeouts over 9 1/3 innings.
"He's really showing good fastball command," Scioscia said. "He's got a nice breaking ball and a tremendous splitter as an out pitch. What's really impressed us is the way he's commanding counts with his fastball and using his splitter. He's been very effective."
The Angels claimed Parker off waivers from the Brewers in December. Parker recorded a 4.67 ERA over 17 1/3 innings between the Mariners and Yankees in 2016.
Worth noting
• Left-hander Tyler Skaggs, who allowed one run over four innings against the D-backs on Saturday, said his next start will be Thursday against the Dodgers in the Freeway Series. He is scheduled to pitch six innings and throw 85-90 pitches, which he believes will be enough to prepare him for the regular season. Skaggs, who missed one start earlier this spring with shoulder weakness, is currently lined up to start the second game of the Angels' opening series against the A's in Oakland.

• Right-hander Garrett Richards is slated to make a Minor League start Sunday in his penultimate appearance of the spring. He's tentatively scheduled for his final Cactus League start on Friday against the Dodgers, likely taking him out of the mix to start Opening Day.