Candelaria to Start Against Padres in Exhibition Today

John Candelaria, who has been bothered by an injured left elbow this spring, will start today’s exhibition game against the San Diego Padres.

Manager Gene Mauch said Candelaria will pitch “three innings, thereabouts.”

Candelaria is listed as the No. 2 pitcher in the Angel rotation and is scheduled to start the April 9 game against the Seattle Mariners in the Kingdome. He threw for about 20 minutes on the sideline Friday and said he experienced no pain.

“I just need to get myself going,” Candelaria said. “It’s getting late and the bell is getting ready to ring. It’s easy to throw hard on the sidelines. They’re all unhittable on the sidelines.”

Candelaria pitched six innings this spring and allowed two runs before his left elbow began bothering him.

“He’s physically in good condition,” said Mike Port, Angel General Manager. “Now it’s a question of him getting his arm built up. There’s nothing structurally wrong (with his arm) at this point.”

As for his April 9 start against the Mariners, Candelaria said, “I’ll be ready.”