ANGELS NOTEBOOK: BULLPEN LOOKING SHAKY.

Byline: BEN VILLA

Staff Writer

ANAHEIM -- When this season started, the back end of the Angels bullpen was thought to be one of their greatest strengths, but lately, it's been anything but.

Since the All-Star break, both Scot Shields -- and more recently Francisco Rodriguez -- have struggled at times to get people out; and while red flags aren't going up, there is some concern in the Angels clubhouse.

"Francisco has been a little out of sync lately," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He's having a hard time finding his tempo, and his mechanics are not where they need to be. As a result, he's been a little inconsistent, but he's still getting the job done.

"And Scot's been better his last two times out. It seems he's figured some things out, and on some days we're going to need both players. Our pitching coach, Mike Butcher, is working with both of them, and we're convinced they're both going to have a big impact on us down the stretch."

Shields' struggles have been well-documented. Twice since the All-Star break, the Angels have had to shut him down for a short period of time while he worked out some kinks. His ERA in the past 30 days is 11.25,and in September, it has climbed to 13.50.

However, it was Shields on Friday night who bailed the Angels and Rodriguez out. Rodriguez was called upon to preserve a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning, but instead he gave up a solo home run to Ryan Garko that tied the score.

After Garko's blast, Rodriguez walked Franklin Gutierrez, Chris Gomez reached on an error and Grady Sizemore walked to load the bases. Instead of letting Rodriguez get out of the jam, Scioscia replaced him with Shields, who struck out Asdrubal Cabrera looking to end the inning. The Angels eventually won 3-2 in 10 innings.

Guerrero watch: Vladimir Guerrero sat out his third straight game Saturday because of an inflamed right triceps.

The slugging right fielder had tests done Friday. A CT scan on Guerrero's right elbow showed he has a posterior impingement, which is causing the continuing tendinitis.

Guerrero will continue to receive daily treatment and is listed as day-to-day.

Of course, with the Angels holding a nine-game lead over Seattle in the American League West, they can afford to be extra cautious with their best player.

"Vlad is improving, and we're convinced this is a short-term thing," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Him playing this weekend is still in question though."

Figgins rests: With the Cleveland Indians starting left-hander C.C. Sabathia on Saturday and southpaw Aaron Laffey tonight, Chone Figgins was relegated to the bench to rest his sprained left wrist.

Figgins returned to action Friday and had three hits batting from the left side, but he's not ready to bat right-handed yet.

"Luckily, we don't face left-handers that much," Figgins said. "My wrist is still sore, and I'm continuing to get treatment on it. I don't expect to play Sunday."