Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Rockies are expected to attempt to sign Jeff Mathis if he is non-tendered by the Angels. Mathis already figured to be non-tendered, but it's virtual lock now that the Angels have acquired Chris Iannetta. The 28-year-old earned $1.7 million this season and simply isn't worth the raise he would see in arbitration. According to Renck, the Rockies could target Mathis as a backup to the newly-signed Ramon Hernandez so that prospect Wilin Rosario will have more time to work on his defense in the minor leagues.

Angels catcher Jeff Mathis has been added to the roster of players heading to Taiwan for a series of games in early November. Mathis joins Erick Aybar, Curtis Granderson, Robinson Cano, Dillon Gee, Ross Detwiler, Ivan Rodriguez, Michael Morse, and Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Two Taiwan major leaguers, Nationals right-hander Chien-Ming Wang and Dodgers left-hander Hong-Chih Kuo are expected to be part of Tawain's team that will play the MLB team in the 2011 All-Star Series.

Jeff Mathis had a two-run homer and a double Saturday in the win over the Angels. He even walked in the contest. It was his first multihit game since July 28, and the homer was his first since June 19 and third of the year. Even though Mike Scioscia loves his defense, Mathis' offense has been so bad this year that he's seen his playing time reduced. He'll go back to starting regularly if he can put together a little hot streak.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Jeff Mathis' playing time will be reduced going forward. Finally, Scioscia is parking Mathis and his .176/.225/.254 batting line on the bench where it belongs. "As much as Jeff has been nonexistent on the offensive side, he's been very important on the defensive side," Scioscia said. "But it's tough to absorb no offense from one position." It's too bad the manager didn't figure this out about four years ago. But, better late than never, we suppose. Scioscia said playing time "will be contingent on how guys are playing," but it sound like Bobby Wilson and Hank Conger will be getting more shots.

X-rays on Jeff Mathis' left hand came back negative, and he's available off the bench Sunday. Mathis was hit by a pitch in Saturday's game. Bobby Wilson will get the start behind the plate.