Nieves Utilizing His Chances

Utility man Jose Nieves started for the second consecutive game Sunday and, as is becoming his custom, took full advantage.

A night after playing shortstop in place of the injured David Eckstein--driving in a run with a squeeze bunt and producing his third multihit game of the season--Nieves started at second base in Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Nieves, who had started two games in a row twice previously this season, went two for three, scored a run and had a sacrifice bunt. He also made a diving stop on a ground ball hit up the middle by A.J. Pierzynski in the sixth inning, but flipped the ball past shortstop Alfredo Amezaga for an error that allowed the Twins to score their third run.

Nieves, acquired last season from the Chicago Cubs in a trade for pitcher Mike Fyhrie, has played shortstop, second base, first base and third base this season. He is batting .288.

“I come every day with the mentality that I might play. I’m getting more chances because Eck is hurt, but I’m always ready,” Nieves said.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Nieves is proving his worth.

“He’s been given more playing time because he’s been productive,” Scioscia said. “He can sit for a while and come off the bench, play defense and hit at a minute’s notice. He’s very valuable.”

*

Eckstein, who had not played since injuring his left knee Monday, was used as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning after Scott Spiezio hit a double and moved to third on Nieves’ sacrifice.

Eckstein hit a ground ball to shortstop Cristian Guzman, who threw out Spiezio at the plate. Eckstein was replaced by pinch-runner Adam Kennedy.

Scioscia said a determination on when Eckstein will return to the lineup will not be made until Tuesday, when the Angels open a two-game series at Kansas City. Eckstein said he still must test his lateral movement.

*

Amezaga’s first major league hit was a second-inning double against Eric Milton that traveled down the left-field line and drove in Nieves for the Angels’ first run.

“He threw me a curveball for a ball and then a fastball, so I knew he was going to come in,” said Amezaga, who was called up from triple-A Salt Lake on Friday. “I just turned on it a little bit. It feels good.”

*

Angel catcher Bengie Molina threw out both runners who attempted to steal. He has thrown out 16 of 29 (55%) this season.