Tropeano, Bridwell begin spring rotation battle

Scioscia on pitching in loss MESA, Ariz. -- The battle for the sixth spot in the Angels' rotation officially kicked off Friday, with Nick Tropeano and Parker Bridwell making their Cactus League debuts in the club's 9-8 loss to the A's at Hohokam Stadium.

Tropeano, who returned to the mound for the Angels for the first time since July 18, 2016, started the game and allowed three runs over 1 1/3 innings. But the results were secondary to him, as the 27-year-old right-hander simply appreciated the chance to face Major League hitters again after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

"I knew I was going to have nerves going in," Tropeano said. "Just being out there, I can't be any more happy.…