KANSAS CITY -- With the Angels in the midst of a 20-game stretch without an off-day, manager Mike Scioscia has been proactive in using his bench to rest his regulars this weekend. The next day off is May 1.
One day after using Michael Trout as the designated hitter, Scioscia decided to have shortstop Andrelton Simmons, outfielder Cameron Maybin and catcher Martin Maldonado sit out Sunday afternoon's series finale with the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Simmons had started the Angels' first 12 games of the season, but Cliff Pennington replaced him on Sunday.
"I think Andrelton has been playing a lot, and we're just starting a 20-game stretch," Scioscia said. "We definitely have to monitor these guys, and it's a good day for it."
While the Angels also have the option of deploying the strong-armed Danny Espinosa at shortstop, the position he primarily played for the Nationals last year, Scioscia said he prefers to keep Espinosa at second base and use Pennington to back up Simmons.
"I think Danny has the ability to go over there in extreme situations, but we definitely want him settled at second base," Scioscia said. "He's looking good there. When Penny's available, he'll play short when Andrelton is not going to go."
Ben Revere made his second consecutive start in left field on Sunday, with Carlos Perez behind the plate following Saturday's night game.
Worth noting
• Right-hander Andrew Bailey, who landed on the 10-day disabled list last week with right shoulder inflammation, remains shut down from throwing, though Scioscia said his condition is improving.
"He's feeling better, but this is going to be a process with Andrew," Scioscia said. "Right now, it's just trying to calm everything down."