At first glance, the Angels don’t appear to need starting pitching. Some would argue that they have the best top four in the American League: Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, C.J. Wilson and Ervin Santana.

But the Angels are concerned with their starting depth in the upper minors, sources say.

The team’s scouts are searching for available arms in Arizona and Florida, targeting out-of-options or non-roster starters who may be on the fringes of other rosters. In other words, they are focusing on lesser-known pitchers, rather than the likes of Washington’s John Lannan. For one thing, the Angels’ willingness to take on salary remains unclear.

Garrett Richards and Brad Mills, both of whom have pitched well this spring, are among those competing for the fifth starter’s job. Jerome Williams, who finished last season as the No. 5 starter, has yet to pitch in a Cactus League game after suffering a strained left hamstring.

-- Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi