Stevens’ Cast Is Removed; He Can Begin Light Exercise

The cast on Angel first baseman Lee Stevens’ right wrist was removed Wednesday by team orthopedist Lewis Yocum, and Yocum has told the Angels that Stevens should be ready for spring training.

The Angels, who planned for Stevens to replace Wally Joyner at first base after Joyner signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Royals, were concerned when Stevens complained of soreness after resuming batting practice last month.

Yocum placed the wrist in a cast about three weeks ago and re-examined it Wednesday. He instructed Stevens to begin light exercise, said team spokesman Tim Mead. “He seems to think there is no reason (Stevens) shouldn’t be ready for spring training,” Mead said.

The Angels’ full team is to report Feb. 25 to Mesa, Ariz., with the first workout scheduled Feb. 26.

Stevens, who hit .293 in 18 games with the major league club last season and drove in 96 runs in 123 games at triple-A Edmonton, complained of discomfort throughout the 1991 season and aggravated the condition diving for a ball in September. X-rays taken before the wrist was immobilized were negative, Yocum said.

Concern over whether Stevens would be ready for spring training had prompted the Angels to make preliminary inquiries about acquiring another first baseman. An attempt to reach Angel senior vice president Dan O’Brien Wednesday was unsuccessful because O’Brien was at the arbitration hearing of outfielder Luis Polonia in Los Angeles.

Polonia, who made $845,000 in salary and bonuses last season, was seeking $2.45 million. The Angels offered $1.65 million. Polonia hit .296 last season with 48 stolen bases, 92 runs scored and 50 RBIs. Arbitrator William Gould’s decision is expected by the weekend.