Angels starter John Lackey ejected after two pitches

ANGELS

The first pitch thrown by Lackey, just back from the disabled list, went behind Ranger Ian Kinsler's head. The next pitch went in his ribs.

By Mike DiGiovanna|May 17, 2009

Reporting from Arlington, Texas — John Lackey's 2009 debut today against the Texas Rangers lasted all of two pitches.

And no, the Angels' ace did not aggravate the forearm strain that sidelined him for the first six weeks of the season.

Lackey's first pitch after a one-hour 16-minute rain delay at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in the bottom of the first inning went behind Ian Kinsler's head.

Lackey's second pitch hit Kinsler, who hit two home runs in Friday night's 10-8 Rangers victory, in the ribs, and Lackey was immediately ejected by home-plate umpire Bob Davidson with no warning.

Manager Mike Scioscia argued at length with Davidson, no doubt claiming the pitches were not intentional and that the wet ball slipped out of Lackey's hands.

Scioscia was not ejected. Lackey walked to the Angels dugout and was replaced by right-hander Shane Loux, who threw 30 pitches over two innings in Friday night's game.

mike.digiovanna@latimes.com