Fuentes returns to camp; will pitch today

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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Closer Brian Fuentes returned to camp this morning after spending two days at his Merced, Calif., home to tend to a family member, and the veteran left-hander is scheduled to pitch in today’s exhibition against the Oakland Athletics.

Fuentes will also pitch either Saturday or Sunday before leaving the Angels to join the U.S. World Baseball Classic team. Kevin Jepsen, the hard-throwing right-hander who made the Angels’ playoff roster last October, is also scheduled to pitch.

Jordan Walden, one of the team’s top pitching prospects, a 21-year-old right-hander whose fastball has touched 100 mph on some speed guns, will start against the A’s.

The Angels also agreed to terms this morning on 2009 contracts with pitchers Joe Saunders ($475,000), Dustin Moseley and Jepsen, second baseman Howie Kendrick and infielder Matt Brown.

Today’s starting lineup:

CF Reggie Willits

LF Bobby Abreu

1B Kendry Morales

3B Brandon Wood

DH Jeff Mathis

RF Chris Pettit

SS Hainley Statia

2B Kevin Ramos

C Flint Wipke

P Jordan Walden

-- Mike DiGiovanna