The Angels’ starting lineup for the A’s series contains a surprise

Ron Washington of the Los Angeles Angels has announced his plans for the starting lineup for his team’s series against the Oakland Athletics, which begins on Tuesday.

A few weeks ago, it would have been hard to imagine what trio Washington would now send to the mound, but due to several injuries in the starting lineup, this is the best he can come up with.

Right-hander Jose Soriano is expected to return from the injured list for Tuesday’s series opener after recovering from an abdominal infection. He last pitched on June 12, throwing a season-best eight innings in which he allowed two runs in the win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Right-hander Davis Daniel will get the ball on Wednesday and has a chance to build on his impressive first major league start on Thursday, when he pitched eight scoreless innings in his season debut.

Thursday’s series finale will feature right-hander Roansy Contreras, who is making his second start after going three innings and striking out 61 against Oakland on Wednesday. Washington said Contreras could throw up to 85 pitches.

In case something goes wrong with the plan, the Angels also traded Zach Plesac for Andrew Wantz. Plesac had a rough outing on Friday, with 16 of his 19 pitches falling outside the strike zone. Meanwhile, Wantz was the Pacific Coast League’s first pitcher of the week this season after posting a career-best 11 strikeouts against Tacoma.