Angels’ Vernon Wells struggles to find rhythm at plate

Wells…Rhythm…In His Younger Days.

Wells hit .308 (eight for 26) with two homers in a seven-game triple-A rehabilitation stint, but that has had no bearing on his big league performance. Not that the Angels were expecting it to.

“Minor league at-bats are minor league at-bats,” Scioscia said. “It’s good to get in shape, to see velocity, but the only way to get acclimated to major league pitching is to see it and hit it. And that’s what Vernon is going through right now. You have to be able to get it done. That’s the bottom line.”

With fewer opportunities, it’s natural for Wells to press when he plays, and that can only compound his struggles.

“He really needs to get simple,” Scioscia said. “Start with singles, and the power will come. ... I think he’s jumping at the ball. His load is a little hard, and it’s affecting his rhythm and timing. He’s working hard, and hopefully he’ll find something that’s going to let him contribute.”