News
Vlad gets a breather from Scioscia
No injuries as the Angels slugger gets a simple day off
By Rustin Dodd / MLB.com
09/06/09 1:50 PM ET
KANSAS CITY -- Manager Mike Scioscia gave Vladimir Guerrero the day off on Sunday, his first rest since sitting out at Baltimore on Aug. 16.Guerrero is feeling fine, Scioscia said. It's just a day a needed day off for the Angels' veteran slugger.
"I think it's a good time for it with the day game," Scioscia said. "[He'll] bounce back tomorrow."
Guerrero is just 1-for-17 in his past four games, including an 0-for-5 night on Saturday.
Guerrero's mini-slump has coincided with a recent slide in the Angels' offense. The Halos have scored just five runs in their past four games, a glaring statistic for an offense that has been one of the best in baseball for most of the season.
The lack of offense prompted Scioscia to juggle his lineup on Friday before the start of the series in Kansas City.
Scioscia moved Maicer Izturis up to second in the order, bumped Bobby Abreu to third, Guerrero to fourth, and had Torii Hunter and Kendry Morales hit fifth and sixth.
Guerrero has had two extended trips to the disabled list this season, and he's been relegated to the designated hitter role since returning to the club in early August.
However, upon his return, Guerrero hit .337 with nine homers and 17 RBIs in August.
"He's been searching for some stuff for a couple days," Scioscia said. "We'll give him the day to freshen up and he'll be back in there tomorrow."
Scioscia also gave Howard Kendrick the start at second, giving Izturis the day off.
Kendrick hadn't played in four games, but Scioscia said that was just a product of trying to find at-bats for everybody.
Rustin Dodd is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
