Angels' Weaver To Start Game 1 Of ALDS
ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com/AP) — The Anaheim Angels and Kansas City Royals will square off in Game 1 of their divisional playoff series tonight in Anaheim.
Jered Weaver, the winner of 18 games this season, is on the mound for the Angels. The Royals, who advanced from the Wild Card game earlier this week, are using Jason Vargas to start.
Raul Ibanez has been left off the Kansas City Royals' 25-man roster for the AL Division Series. Ibanez wasn't included on the roster submitted Thursday before the series opener.
The 42-year-old began this season with the Angels, who released him in June.
Former Angels reliever Scott Downs and infielder Jayson Nix also were left off the Royals' roster, while left-hander Tim Collins made the cut.
Los Angeles chose reliever Vinny Pestano over Joe Thatcher, who hasn't pitched well since his return from a sprained left ankle. The Angels also left off left-hander Wade LeBlanc and 40-year-old infielder John McDonald.
Versatile Efren Navarro earned a spot as an Angels reserve.
The Angels kept 12 pitchers on their roster, while the Royals have 11.
KNX 1070's Mike Landa reports anyone who doesn't already have tickets for tonight's sellout game will have to watch it from somewhere else.
Some fans like Larry Garcia waited in line at the Angel Stadium box office only to leave very disappointed.
"I went up there and they said they were sold out," said Garcia. "Bad luck, I guess."
To help fans avoid post-game traffic, Metrolink will provide special train service following American League Division Series games at Angel Stadium, beginning Thursday night.
A southbound train bound for Oceanside will leave from Anaheim at 10:09 p.m. or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game, whichever is later. A northbound train bound for Union Station will leave 30 minutes after the end of the game.
Click here for more information on the Angels Express train schedules.
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