stay warm between starts.

Barría’s next start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, giving him eight days of rest. He’ll be following right-hander Griffin Canning (Monday) and left-hander Tyler Anderson (Tuesday) in the rotation.

Sticking Barría in the bullpen and giving him a couple extra days between starts is the latest creative solution for an Angels bullpen lacking pitchers who can be optioned back and forth to the minor leagues to keep the bullpen fresh. Andrew Wantz has already been optioned three times; the most times a player can be optioned to the minor leagues in a single season is five.

The Angels gained some additional flexibility Friday, when they recalled rookie Sam Bachman from Double-A Rocket City for his major league debut. He can still be optioned back to the minors five times this season if needed.

Veteran Reyes Moronta, who did not have minor league options, was designated for assignment.

Ward’s plan

Taylor Ward, who lost the primary left fielder’s job to Mickey Moniak, will be back in the lineup as matchups allow, Nevin said.

“He’s not going to sit for four, five days in a row,” Nevin said. “I’m not going to let that happen. ... There’s some (games) coming up against starters we’re going to face that he’s done well against in the past. Those are certainly things for me to consider.”

Looking ahead to the Angels’ road trip to Chicago and Houston, Ward has had some success in the past against White Sox starters Lucas Giolito (2 for 6, home run) and Lance Lynn (2 for 4), who are scheduled to start Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

But the manager made it clear that Moniak has earned the playing time he’s received, batting .419 with four home runs in 10 games since making his 2023 debut through Friday. Ward has a .189 on-base percentage and .222 slugging percentage in the same span.

Along with his power, the ability to patiently work long at-bats has been key to Moniak’s becoming a fixture in the leadoff spot, Nevin said.

Since drawing walks in his first two plate appearances against the Texas Rangers on May 7, Ward has gone 57 plate appearances without a free pass entering Saturday.

“When he’s on time, he’s really, really good. He doesn’t swing at bad pitches. Takes his walks,” Nevin said of Ward. “Part of that is trying to play catch-up. You try to do too much. You try to hit a 3-run home run, there’s only one guy on base — it’s impossible. You’ve got to get out of that mindset, erase what’s on the scoreboard, and just say, ‘I’m going to take a good quality at-bat here.’ ”

Rendon update

Anthony Rendon will accompany the Angels on their forthcoming road trip to Chicago and Houston, a good sign the third baseman can return from the injured list in the week to come.

Rendon, who hasn’t played since May 14 because of a strained left groin, is eligible to return from the 10-day IL, but only began swinging a bat Friday. On Saturday, he ran sprints outside for the first time, but not at full speed. He’s still at least a couple days away from practicing fielding.

“We’ll talk (about that) when we get to Chicago on Monday,” Nevin said.

Also

Logan O’Hoppe will also join the team on its upcoming road trip. His original 4-to-6-month timeline for his recovery from left shoulder surgery hasn’t been revised, but Nevin said the catcher continues to be involved in pregame pitcher meetings with the Angels’ healthy backstops, Chad Wallach and Matt Thaiss. ... Left-hander Jose Suarez (left shoulder strain) hasn’t been cleared to resume throwing, Nevin said. ... Right-handers Chris Rodriguez (right shoulder surgery) and Davis Daniel (right shoulder strain) are making progress in their light throwing programs in Arizona, Nevin said.