Sean Burnett could have dismissed his first outing of spring training as easily as his catcher, Chris Iannetta.
“It’s the first day out,” Iannetta said after Burnett allowed four hits and two runs in one-third of an inning Wednesday against the San Diego Padres. “You’re not worried about results.”
Burnett was.
Albert Pujols was not lifted for a courtesy runner upon reaching first base on a fielder’s choice in the first inning of the Angels’ spring training game Wednesday against the San Diego Padres.
That’s a Cactus League first for the Angels first baseman, who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last October. Pujols was forced out and did not run to second base when the next batter, Josh Hamilton, grounded into a double play.
Pujols has been running the bases in practice.
3:48 p.m. update: Angels manager Mike Scioscia said after the game that Pujols wanted to run the bases today. He did not request a courtesy runner and have that request denied by Bud Black, the Padres’ manager.
