Valenzuela Welcomes New Chance

Fernando Valenzuela says he is not superstitious about pregame rituals, but at least one of his routines will be missing tonight when he starts for the Angels at Anaheim Stadium in his return to the major leagues.

No batting practice.

After spending his entire career as a Dodger, Valenzuela is making his debut in the American League, where his talents as a hitter won’t be required.

Valenzuela, released March 28 by the Dodgers after finishing spring training with a 7.88 earned-run average, signed a minor league contract May 20 with the Angels, and did not allow an earned run in three minor league starts.

“Really, I’m very happy to be back,” Valenzuela said Thursday. “Tomorrow is a big day for me. I had three games in the minor leagues, but it’s not the same.”

In 17 innings, Valenzuela allowed 11 hits, striking out 14 and walking eight.

“I’m not nervous, but I’m excited a little bit,” he said. “(In his first minor league start), I tried to overthrow because I felt real good. I want to try not to do that (tonight). I want to go normal, and not overthrow.”

Marcel Lachemann, the Angel pitching coach, said he expects Valenzuela to “give us six, seven innings.”

The Angels, who have struggled at the gate this season, averaging 28,469 fans at Anaheim Stadium, expect to recover in part because of the enthusiasm surrounding Valenzuela’s start. As of Thursday evening, 35,000 tickets had been sold for tonight’s game, despite a conflict with the third game of the NBA Finals.

Valenzuela inspired a phenomenal following that came to be known as Fernandomania beginning in 1981, when he became the first player to win rookie of the year and Cy Young awards in the same season.

In 10-plus seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA. He was 13-13 with a 4.59 ERA last season. His last major league start was Sept. 30, in an 8-2 loss to San Francisco.