ANGELS : Young Makes Case for Bullpen Job

Cliff Young didn’t have the seniority to earn a locker in the Angels’ cramped clubhouse at Hi Corbett Field Friday, but he has the fastball to earn a spot in their bullpen this season.

Young strengthened his claim by pitching a scoreless eighth inning in a 1-0 loss to the Cleveland Indians. The only hit he gave up was a pop-up by Mark Lewis that fell between Young, first baseman Rick Schu and catcher John Orton, but Young recovered quickly enough to get Lewis at second and keep the Angels in the game.

In striking out two and recording nine strikes in 10 pitches, the left-handed Young rebounded from his two-inning, two-run performance against the Oakland Athletics Tuesday. He has been charged with two earned runs in three appearances, covering four innings.

“I came here more mentally ready than ever before, knowing there’d probably be a spot or two in the bullpen,” said Young, who was 1-1 with a 3.52 earned-run average in 17 games with the Angels last season and 7-4 with a 2.42 ERA for triple-A Edmonton.

“It motivates you knowing there’s a spot open and you’re not just pitching five innings in B games. It gives you something to strive for.”

With Bryan Harvey, Bob McClure, Jeff Robinson and Floyd Bannister assured of jobs, Young is competing with Scott Bailes, Mark Eichhorn, Mike Fetters and Matt Keough for two spots. If McClure remains idled by shoulder soreness, Young might assume his role as the specialist called in to face one or two batters.

“I see myself fitting in. I have a lot of self-confidence,” Young said. “The only thing I can do is be the best I can be and make a good impression.”

The Angels’ pitchers were impressive Friday despite chilly weather and blustery winds.

Mark Langston gave up two hits and struck out two in three scoreless innings. Joe Grahe followed with three perfect innings.

A wind-blown double in the seventh inning by former Angel minor leaguer Jeff Manto off Angel right-hander Chris Beasley scored the game’s only run.

Angel Notes

The player owed by the Angels to the Milwaukee Brewers to complete Thursday’s Dante Bichette-Dave Parker trade won’t come from the Angels’ 40-man roster, General Manager Mike Port said. . . . Parker is expected to arrive in time for today’s game. He will wear his old number, 39, which was worn by infielder Chris Cron. Cron will take Bichette’s number, 19.

Mike Fetters, who pulled his right hamstring last week, will start today’s B game in Tucson. Mark Eichhorn, who was to pitch in the B game, will instead work in the A game. . . . Chuck Finley, who has given up 12 earned runs in his first two starts, is scheduled to go four innings today.

Jack Howell, struck on the left wrist with a pitch by Randy Johnson during Thursday’s game against the Mariners, has been getting ice on his wrist to reduce the swelling and wore a brace Friday. Howell, who is hitting .667 (six for nine), might resume taking batting practice today. . . . Right-hander Mike Erb underwent diagnostic tests to determine the cause of discomfort he felt in his pitching shoulder after Thursday’s B game. Results are expected today.