Barreto injury may open door for Rengifo

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Franklin Barreto appeared to be the slight favorite over Luis Rengifo to make the Opening Day roster as the Angels’ utilityman, but Barreto was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation that will keep him out for four to six weeks, the club announced Monday.

Barreto, 25, has had a solid spring, batting .350/.409/.650 in 14 games, and is out of Minor League options. That gave him the edge over Rengifo, 24, who has also fared well at the plate, hitting .304/.433/.478 in 16 games. Non-roster invitee José Rojas is also in that mix and can’t be ruled out, but Rengifo has the advantage of being on the 40-man roster. Angels manager Joe Maddon, however, wouldn’t say that Rengifo’s roster spot is set.

"I mean, it's less competition," Maddon said. "There would always be that consideration, but that hasn't been determined."

It’s another setback for Barreto, a former top prospect with the A’s who was acquired in a trade last season for second baseman Tommy La Stella. Barreto was also coming off left shoulder surgery in September after dislocating the shoulder on a play at second base. Barreto last played on Friday and reported the elbow soreness once the game was over.

"It just happened and nobody really saw anything, he just reported it after the game," Maddon said. "It's just too bad because he's done really well. But it doesn't look long-term."

Offense erupts, Canning adapts
The Angels scored 10 runs in the second inning in a 15-7 win over the Cubs on Monday, marking the most runs they've scored in an inning in a Spring Training game since scoring nine against the Cubs in the fourth inning on Feb. 28, 2014. It was an incredible showing that saw eight players score a run in the frame, but it also was a long inning for right-hander Griffin Canning to sit through.

Canning played catch in the bullpen during the inning to stay loose and said he felt fine despite allowing two runs the next inning. Canning also wasn't helped by a defensive miscue from right fielder Dexter Fowler in the inning. But Canning finished strong, allowing three runs on six hits over five innings with two strikeouts.

"I just threw a little bit and played catch," Canning said. "I have that sleeve that keeps my elbow warm, so it wasn't a big deal. But physically, I feel really good. I've been bouncing back really well. I feel strong."

Schebler healthy, impressing
Non-roster outfielder Scott Schebler injured his right shoulder on a diving play with the Reds in 2017 and didn’t get it surgically repaired until '19, but he is now healthy and having a strong spring. Schebler, 30, is hitting .375/.429/.833 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 17 games. He has shown power in the Majors in the past, hitting 30 homers in 141 games with Cincinnati in '17, and believes his swing is finally back to where it was before the injury.

“Everything is going quite well,” Schebler said. “Now that I’m fully healthy, I feel like I’m swinging the bat pretty well. … I think it’s kind of a blessing I didn’t play much last year because I was able to get a full offseason in of training and lifting. I’m comfortable with where I’m at.”

Schebler is competing with fellow non-roster invitees Juan Lagares and Jon Jay for the fourth outfielder role and doesn’t appear likely to make the club. Lagares is the favorite right now, but Schebler is doing all he can to show the front office and coaching staff that he can contribute at some point this season.

"I definitely see him helping us this year," Maddon said. "I don't know how it's going to manifest itself early on, but I like him."

Angels tidbits
? Two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s next start on the mound will come against the Dodgers in the Freeway Series next week, but Maddon wasn’t sure which game yet. The rivals play a three-game Cactus League series from Sunday to Tuesday. Ohtani wasn’t in the lineup on Monday, a day after he threw four strong innings and went 2-for-2 as the leadoff hitter against the Padres. But Maddon said Ohtani felt fine after pulling double-duty on Sunday.

? Relievers Luke Bard and Aaron Slegers both appear likely to open the season on the injured list. Bard threw at 120 feet on Sunday but still experienced hip soreness on Monday, so his throwing program has been slowed down. Slegers is still day to day with back spasms.

? Bally Sports West, formerly Fox Sports West, announced that it will air 154 Angels games this season. The remaining eight games will be on national television. The rebrand to Bally Sports West is only a name change that goes into effect on April 1.

? The Angels announced that single-game tickets for all April home games will go on sale to the general public on Friday at 9 a.m. PT. Registered users at Angels.com will have presale access, beginning on Wednesday at 9 a.m. PT. All tickets will be sold through Angels.com.