Vladimir Guerrero is not in the lineup today — “just a day off,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. It’s his first game off since June 25 (though he had the full four-day All-Star break this year, a rare mid-season rest for the perennial All-Star).
Guerrero gets treatment on his right knee daily and can often be seen with a heating pad wrapped around his lower back in the clubhouse after games. But Scioscia there are no unexpected health issues with Guerrero this season.
“He’s been getting treatment (on his knee) for four years. That’s routine,” Scioscia said. “He’s no different than any player who’s got 100 games into a season under his belt.
“I think when a guy needs a day off, you give it to him. Vlad’s played a lot. I don’t remember when his last day off was. I think it’s good for him to get a day off.”
The Angels are already playing without Torii Hunter this weekend so he can attend his grandmother’s funeral in Arkansas.
“I don’t think you want to take too many bats out of the lineup at the same time,” Scioscia said. “But you don’t want to extend a guy too far either.”
Scioscia said there was nothing specific he had seen in Guerrero’s play that made him think the outfielder/DH needed a break. Guerrero is hitting .273 (9 for 33) with a home run and five RBIs on this road trip.
“I think Vlad’s been starting to swing the bat better (a .292 average, five home runs and 15 RBIs in July),” Scioscia said. “The last couple days, I just think he could use a day to catch his breath.”
Today’s lineups:
ANGELS
3B Chone Figgins
SS Erick Aybar
1B Mark Teixeira
LF Garret Anderson
2B Howie Kendrick
DH Juan Rivera
CF Gary Matthews Jr.
C Jeff Mathis
RF Reggie Willits
RHP John Lackey (16-3 with a 2.48 ERA in his past 20 road starts)
YANKEES
DH Johnny Damon
SS Derek Jeter
RF Bobby Abreu
3B Alex Rodriguez
1B Jason Giambi
LF Xavier Nady
2B Wilson Betemit
C Ivan Rodriguez
CF Melky Cabrera
RHP Darrell Rasner
