Angels pare roster; Fletcher to play second

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Angels’ Opening Day roster is coming into focus after the club trimmed seven players from the roster on Friday and two more on Saturday, leaving 29 healthy players in camp with the club headed back to Anaheim for the annual Freeway Series against the Dodgers beginning on Sunday.

The Angels reassigned reliever Matt Ramsey and outfielder Cesar Puello to Minor League camp on Saturday. A day earlier, third baseman Taylor Ward, reliever Jake Jewell, catchers Jose Briceno and Dustin Garneau, and outfielders Brennon Lund and Jarrett Parker were sent to the Minors. In addition, reliever Daniel Hudson was released.

“We’re not done,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “We still have some decisions to make, especially in the bullpen.”

The moves, however, essentially mean that second baseman David Fletcher will make the club, as will backup catcher Kevan Smith. Peter Bourjos is expected to be added to the 40-man roster as the fourth outfielder. The club is expected to open with a three-man bench consisting of infielder Tommy La Stella, Smith and Bourjos. First-base prospect Matt Thaiss remains in camp but will be optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake to open the year.

"I think Peter Bourjos is a guy that came in and has played really well," Ausmus said. "But I can’t say that [he's on the roster yet]."

The Angels are expected to start the season with an eight-man bullpen, as lefty Tyler Skaggs isn’t fully stretched out after dealing with left forearm fatigue. Right-hander Felix Pena will replace Andrew Heaney in the rotation. Heaney is scheduled to start the year on the injured list with left elbow inflammation.

The Angels have nine relievers in camp competing for those eight spots, including closer Cody Allen; right-handers Justin Anderson, Luke Bard, Cam Bedrosian, Ty Buttrey, Luis Garcia, Hansel Robles and Noe Ramirez; and non-roster lefty Dan Jennings. Taylor Cole remains in the camp but will open the year on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

Ramirez appeared unlikely to make the roster early in spring but has pitched well of late and is out of Minor League options, meaning he would have to be exposed to waivers if he were to be sent to the Minors. He also has the advantage of being a multi-inning reliever.

Jennings is likely to make the team, as he’s the only lefty of the group and has had a solid spring. Like Bourjos, he would have to be added to the roster. The Angels have one roster spot open and would need to create another one if Bourjos and Jennings make the team. Right-hander Jesus Castillo would be the most likely to be dropped from the 40-man roster, unless Ramirez doesn’t make the club.

Bard has had a strong spring and was added to the 40-man roster on March 16. But he does have Minor League options, which means he can be sent freely to Triple-A Salt Lake and that could work against him to open the year. The only other relievers with options are Anderson and Buttrey.

Harvey pitches in Minors game

Right-hander Matt Harvey didn't pitch in the Angels’ Cactus League finale, an 11-4 loss to the Padres on Saturday. He instead threw five innings in a Minor League game. Harvey allowed one run on four hits with two strikeouts and is slated to start Friday against the A's.

In the Cactus League game, the Angels used a parade of relievers, and first baseman Justin Bour smacked his team-leading fourth home run of the spring.

Injury updates

• Fletcher was scratched from the lineup Saturday with hamstring tightness but is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday.

• Heaney has been throwing to 110-120 feet and will join the Angels in Anaheim on Sunday to continue his throwing program, Ausmus said.

• Outfielder Michael Hermosillo, who missed all of Spring Training after undergoing offseason surgery to repair a sports hernia, will remain in Arizona to rehab and won't be ready for the start of the year.

Up next

The Angels head back to Anaheim to host the Dodgers on Sunday at 5:07 p.m. PT at Angel Stadium. The club will host a press conference for Mike Trout before the game at 3 p.m. with fans encouraged to attend in front of the home-plate gate. Pena will start for the Angels; the Dodgers will counter with Ross Stripling. Trout is scheduled to play in the game.