TEMPE, Ariz. -- Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar each had four of the Angels' 20 hits in a 16-9 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, and Los Angeles got some promising news about Kelvim Escobar.
The right-hander, making a comeback from a torn labrum that kept him out all of last season after he won 18 games in 2007, retired 10 of 11 hitters without giving up a hit in a Double-A game.
The Angels' have been hit hard with injuries to their starting rotation this spring. Most recently, right-handed ace John Lackey has been set back for at least a week with elbow soreness. Ervin Santana won't be ready until at least mid-April with a sprained elbow.
Angels orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum said Santana is making good progress and throwing long toss. Yocum also told reporters he gave Lackey a cortisone shot in hopes of minimizing elbow pain.
"There are no speed bumps [and] there are no setbacks [for Santana]," Yocum said.
Saturday's starter Matt Palmer, who gave up four hits and two runs in 2 2/3 innings.
Morales, who improved his average to .397, homered and had three RBI, while Aybar upped his spring average to .463 and had three RBI. Howie Kendrick hit his second spring homer, Torii Hunter hit his third and Chone Figgins had three hits.
"I think our hitters are doing a great job in the batter's box," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.
Seattle's Carlos Silva allowed 11 hits and nine runs -- eight earned, and two homers that left him with an ERA of 16.88. Silva went 4-15 with a 6.46 ERA in 29 starts with Seattle in 2008.
"Anyone who says they're getting their work in, they're using excuses," he said. "I need to learn to trust myself and not try to be someone else. Guys tell me, 'Whatever you have in the bullpen, bring it to the mound."'
Reegie Corona hit his first spring homer for the Mariners.
