Catchers Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli have been stuck in a battle for playing time for more than three years. Now, a third player could get thrown into the mix for at-bats.
Mathis is probably about two weeks away from coming off the disabled list, where he was placed because of a broken right wrist. When he returns, the Angels will have to choose between his defensive prowess and the bat of Napoli, currently the Angels' hottest hitter.
The outlet could be designated-hitter at-bats, meaning Hideki Matsui might have to improve on his .231 hitting to stay in the lineup.
"I think Mike will still get his at-bats from catching. If there's an occasion to put him in the DH spot, he'll be in the DH spot," manager Mike Scioscia said. "The thing we need is Jeff on the defensive end. That's what's going to get guys playing time."
Mathis was having a career month, batting .324 and playing his usual stellar defense, before he broke his wrist on April 20. He understands Napoli's hot hitting could impact his playing time. Mathis started 11 of the Angels' first 14 games. Napoli has seven home runs and 15 extra-base hits in May.
"He's swinging the mess out of it right now. He's in a real groove," Mathis said. "Whatever happens, happens when I come off. It's not like I haven't been in that situation before."
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