Joyner Could Return to Lineup Today

Wally Joyner’s knee injury kept the Angel first baseman out of Sunday’s game against the New York Yankees, although he was available for pinch-hitting duty and could have played in an emergency, according to Manager Doug Rader.

“He could’ve played today,” Rader said. “But I’m not going to send a guy out there with a swollen knee. If he goes out there and plays and it swells up more, then we’re looking at (him missing) five to 10 days.”

Joyner hurt his left knee after a collision at first base with New York pitcher Greg Cadaret Saturday night and had to been taken from the field on a stretcher. X-rays proved negative and the injury was diagnosed as a contusion of the knee.

Jim Eppard played in place of Joyner Sunday and could be back in the lineup again today. Rader said he would prefer to rest Joyner until the team returns home on Tuesday.

“With that kind of injury, it usually takes 48 hours after it happens for the internal bleeding to stop,” Rader said. “That’s basically what it is--a bruise. After 48 hours, if it’s no worse, the measurable risk is much less.

“We’ll have to wait and see how stiff and swollen the knee is (today). If it’s practical that he can play, he will. If not, he won’t.”