Sunday’s Angels-Yankees game is rained out

NEW YORK — The Angels’ series finale against the New York Yankees on Sunday was rained out, and though it has not been rescheduled, a logical makeup date would be Monday, Sept. 14, an off day for both clubs.

The Yankees are in the middle of an eight-game homestand that week. The Angels begin a six-game trip in Boston on Sept. 15, so a stop in Yankee Stadium the day before would not be too far out of their way.

Manager Mike Scioscia pushed everyone in the rotation back a day, so left-hander Joe Saunders, scheduled to pitch against the Yankees on Sunday, will start tonight in Oakland.

Shane Loux will start Tuesday night against the A’s, and no starter will be skipped. “All of our starters are throwing well, so we’re just going to move them back and give them an extra day of rest,” Scioscia said. “We’ll keep them in order.”

In and out

Shortstop Erick Aybar, who was knocked out of Saturday’s game in the first inning when a throw from catcher Mike Napoli on Derek Jeter’s stolen base caromed off Jeter’s helmet and into Aybar’s face, was not in Sunday’s lineup.

Aybar received several stitches in his left upper lip, which was swollen on Sunday, and his left cheek was puffy and sore. There is a chance Aybar could start tonight against Oakland, but he will probably need at least one more day off.

Bobby Abreu, who sat out Saturday’s game because of tightness in his lower back, was back in Sunday’s lineup in left field.

Rehab report

Reliever Kevin Jepsen, on the disabled list because of a lower-back strain, gave up two hits, struck out one and walked one in one inning for Salt Lake on Saturday, but Scioscia said the right-hander would need a few more rehabilitation appearances before being activated. Dustin Moseley, on the DL since April 18 because of forearm tightness, extended his long-toss program to 130 feet but is not throwing off a mound. Kelvim Escobar will resume his rehab from shoulder surgery with a bullpen workout today.

Bullpen boost

Reliever Darren Oliver, on the disabled list because of a triceps strain, will be activated for tonight’s game. To make room for Oliver, a veteran left-hander with a 2.35 earned-run average in three games, the Angels optioned reliever Fernando Rodriguez back to triple-A Salt Lake.

Oliver should be a welcome addition to a bullpen that has combined for a 1-8 record, four blown saves and a major league-worst 7.66 ERA.

It takes a thief

Abreu, who has at least 20 stolen bases in 10 consecutive seasons, the longest current streak in baseball, ranks second in the American League with 11 stolen bases in 11 attempts.

The Angels rank second in the league behind Tampa Bay with 30 stolen bases, and they have been caught stealing only six times.

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