TEMPE, Ariz. -- Mike Scioscia said the Angels have some roster scenarios in which they would play the first week of the season with only four starters and eight relievers. With an off day on the third day of the season, April 6, the Angels don’t need a fifth starter until April 11.
Both Matt Shoemaker and Nick Tropeano, the candidates for the fifth starter spot, have an option. That could also allow either pitcher to get one more outing in Arizona before his regular season debut, which could be handy for Tropeano since he missed his last start with the flu.