Angels set Spring Training rotation

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Angels have set their rotation order for Spring Training, with C.J. Wilson following Jered Weaver on Saturday, Hector Santiago pitching Sunday, Garrett Richards starting on Monday and Tyler Skaggs getting the ball on Tuesday.

That could very well be the order the Angels carry into the regular season, though injuries could alter it, and Skaggs still has to prove he's ready to take control of the fifth spot.

Joe Blanton, who has $8.5 million remaining on his contract after a rough 2013 season, will be used to start split-squad games, which the Angels conveniently have in five-day intervals on March 7, March 12 and March 17. At some point in the next three days, the 33-year-old right-hander will start getting stretched out by pitching the middle innings.

Blanton's situation remains the same: If Skaggs struggles, he could be a temporary option as a fifth starter to open the season. Otherwise, the Angels will spend the spring looking for a trade partner and will release him if they can't. The Angels aren't expected to carry Blanton as a long reliever.