Angels' rotation set

[Sawman]

In the most anticlimactic announcement of the spring, Manager Mike Scioscia confirmed what has been obvious for weeks: John Lackey will start opening day against Texas on April 2. The right-hander will be followed in the rotation by Kelvim Escobar, Ervin Santana, Saunders and either Dustin Moseley or Hector Carrasco.

"It wasn't that big of a surprise — I saw how it was lined up," said Lackey, who is 27-16 with a 3.50 earned-run average and 389 strikeouts in the last two seasons. "But it's an honor, definitely, because we have such a good rotation. It's definitely something I was working toward, and something I think I'm ready for."

Scioscia said Weaver, slowed by shoulder tightness, would be out at least two regular-season starts and probably will be folded into the rotation April 15 or 16.

Lackey, Escobar, and Santana are a very good top three to start the season with. Personally, I believe that Weaver's arm troubles are minor and that he'll slip right back into the rotation in April.

[Sawman]

"Jered Weaver will start on the disabled list," Scioscia said. "Looking at his time frame, he will certainly miss his first start, but can be folded in shortly after that. Probably the date looks like [April] 15 or 16. That's what we're looking at right now. If he progresses ahead of that, great. Bart, his progression will be a little behind that, but not much behind it."

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