Scioscia Remains Confident in Team

ARLINGTON, Texas â€”  The Angels continue to teeter around the .500 mark less than a week before the trading deadline, but Manager Mike Scioscia said Thursday that his team was capable of making a postseason push regardless of whether General Manager Bill Stoneman acquired help from outside the organization.

“I feel very confident in the group of guys we have that we are going to contend and we are championship-caliber,� Scioscia said before the Angels played the Texas Rangers.

“Any help that’s going to make us stronger is obviously going to be welcome, but I don’t think we’re sitting back here relying on anyone to come in, because I think the guys in that clubhouse are good enough to get it done.�

The Angels have played poorly since the All-Star break, losing six of eight games. They also lost Troy Glaus for the next two weeks because of a shoulder injury after the third baseman slipped on the Tropicana Field turf Monday while trying to field a bunt and was put on the disabled list.

It was the second significant injury in less than a month for the Angels, who also lost designated hitter Brad Fullmer because of a season-ending knee injury. Scioscia conceded Thursday that the team’s depth is stretched.

“Right now we’re fine,� Scioscia said. “If someone else goes down, you’re going to be looking to fill some holes.�

*

Jarrod Washburn has given up 15 runs over 9 1/3 innings in his last two starts, but pitching coach Bud Black said the left-hander could straighten out his woes by simply improving his pitch execution.

“Not hitting his spots has been the primary reason why we’ve seen these last two games go the way they’ve gone,� Black said.

*

Hot-hitting shortstop Alfredo Amezaga was promoted from triple-A Salt Lake late Thursday to provide infield depth in the wake of Glaus’ injury. The Angels optioned infielder Chone Figgins to Salt Lake to make room for Amezaga on the roster.

Amezaga was hitting .350 with three homers and 45 RBIs in 74 games before Thursday. Scioscia said the Angels need another reserve shortstop with backup Benji Gil expected to see more playing time at first and third base during Glaus’ absence.

*

Garret Anderson’s season-high hitting streak ended at 15 games after he went hitless in three at-bats.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Oakland Athletics, four games.

Site -- Edison Field.

TV -- Fox Sports Net tonight, Sunday and Monday, Channel 11 on Saturday.

Radio -- KSPN (710), XKAM (950).

Records -- Angels 51-49, Athletics 57-44.

Record vs. Athletics -- 5-4.

Tonight, 7 -- John Lackey (7-9, 5.23) vs. Ted Lilly (5-8, 5.22).

Saturday, 1 p.m. -- Aaron Sele (6-7, 5.15) vs. Rich Harden (0-0, 1.29).

Sunday, 1 p.m. -- Ramon Ortiz (12-7, 4.09) vs. Tim Hudson (8-4, 2.69).

Monday, 7 p.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (8-10, 4.91) vs. Barry Zito (8-8, 3.34).