Kevin

Gregg

''He’s got the stuff, the makeup, the command,” Scioscia said. “The way he’s throwing, he’s definitely showing he could be part of a championship-caliber staff.’' Today is a big start for Ortiz, who needs to turn it around soon.

It should come down to Gregg or Chris Bootcheck. Bootcheck is the one with the pedigree, but Gregg set a record scoreless inning streak at Triple-A Salt Lake with 27 1/3 before succumbing to a five-run fourth inning Saturday. Neither pitcher should be picked up.

Manager Mike Scioscia said the Angels would promote another one or two players, to be announced.

Scot Shields will face Darrell May in the first game. Gregg and Jamey Wright will start the second.

Gregg got to throw behind Ian Kinsler and drill Michael Young, and there’s basically no way to argue that his actions were unintentional. He deserved a bigger suspension than Scott Feldman at least. It looks like the only reason he didn’t get one if back Michael Young didn’t change the mound.

As his outing was winding down -- he was in his sixth inning of relief work -- he threw behind Ian Kinsler. He then hit the next batter. This was almost certainly revenge for what happened last night. If Vicente Padilla gets suspended for his actions on Tuesday, Gregg also deserves to sit out at least three or four games.

He pitched five innings last night, so he was going to need a couple of days off anyway. He’s also still bothered by a sore knee that caused him to leave a game late last month.

He’ll be available out of the pen on Tuesday.

There was some speculation that the Angels would skip Gregg’s spot in the rotation due to their off day Thursday, but Scioscia will stick with Gregg for at least one more time through the rotation.

He had allowed just one run until Willy Aybar’s homer in the bottom of the sixth. Gregg struck out seven and walked one. He’ll probably make at least three more starts before Bartolo Colon returns, and he is worth leaving active in AL-only leagues.