LeBlanc gets the nod for Thursday's start vs. Mariners

SEATTLE -- As expected, the Angels will turn to left-hander Wade LeBlanc to start at Safeco Field on Thursday, in a spot that once belonged to Hector Santiago and was most recently vacated by Matt Shoemaker.

LeBlanc -- with a 4.51 ERA in 417 innings with the Padres, Marlins and Astros from 2008-13 -- was acquired over the offseason on a Minor League contract and went 5-1 with a 3.69 ERA in nine starts for Triple-A Salt Lake, which plays in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

"He has a little bit of experience and he knows his game and had been throwing the ball well in Triple-A; much better than he did in the spring," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He'll be a good guy to give us a chance to win."

Shoemaker posted a 2.81 ERA in three starts in place of Santiago, but was sent down because the Angels needed length from the bullpen after their relievers accounted for eight innings in Saturday's 13-inning game. LeBlanc was never needed, but Shoemaker can't be brought back up within 10 days unless it's to replace a player going on the disabled list.

LeBlanc will take the mound Thursday on seven days' rest.

"He threw a power 'pen the other day," Scioscia said. "He'll be fine."