Angels scratch RF Bobby Abreu from lineup due to stiff neck

Angels scratch RF Abreu due to stiff neck

SAN FRANCISCO — The Angels have scratched right fielder Bobby Abreu due to a stiff neck, leaving Los Angeles without three of its top hitters in its starting lineup against the Giants.

Abreu, batting .304 with 34 RBIs, had a homer among his three hits in Tuesday’s win over San Francisco. He was pulled from the lineup about 45 minutes before Wednesday’s series finale.

The Angels are also holding out Torii Hunter again after the center fielder bruised his ribs crashing into the wall Monday night. Hunter, who is expected to be able to pinch-hit, plans to be back in the lineup Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Vladimir Guerrero, unable to play the field due to a chest muscle injury, had pinch-hits in both of the Angels’ first two games in San Francisco.