TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Angels will play their first Cactus League game on Friday against the A's in Mesa, with right-handers Nick Tropeano, Parker Bridwell and Osmer Morales scheduled to take the mound for the Halos.
Because Spring Training games are starting earlier this year, most of the Angels' regular position players aren't expected to see Cactus League action until next week, which could create early playing opportunities for those who are competing for jobs this spring.
Here's a look at four dark-horse candidates for the Angels' Opening Day roster this year:
1B Chris Carter: The Angels signed Carter to a Minor League deal this week, replenishing the first-base depth they lost when trading C.