ANAHEIM, Calif. – Even though it would normally be his turn to pitch, Ervin Santana won't face the Seattle Mariners during the Angels' three-game series against the Seattle Mariners this week and could be used in the bullpen at some point if needed.
Manager Mike Scioscia will start CJ Wilson on Wednesday and Dan Haren on Thursday against the Mariners in what amounts to a make-or-break series. Zack Greinke (5-2, 3.51 ERA) is scheduled to start the opener Tuesday night at Angel Stadium.
Santana probably will start Friday night in Texas against the Rangers, although it would give him six days between starts.
"Dan's been throwing the ball well, especially against Seattle," Scioscia said. "Giving Ervin a little bit of a longer break right now also helps if we need him for the last series in some bullpen role."
If Santana pitches Friday, he would be available in long relief for the Angels' last regular-season series that starts Oct. 1 against the Mariners.
Haren has a 2-1 record and 2.33 ERA against Seattle this season, including a 9-1 win Aug. 31 in which he gave up no earned runs in seven innings.
"There are a lot of different things we've sliced up in the last 10 days trying to look at the rotation," Scioscia said. "Those guys are pitching well and we're going to need them. It gives us some flexibility on the back side but also gets Dan in a good position."
