BASEBALL / SPRING TRAINING REPORT : Valenzuela Pitches 2 Shutout Innings

Fernando Valenzuela, making his first appearance in a major league uniform since 1991, pitched two scoreless innings Thursday night as the Baltimore Orioles beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 4-0, at St. Petersburg, Fla.

The former Dodger standout gave up two hits, a walk and hit a batter. But he benefited from two double plays, the second helping him escape a bases-loaded, none-out situation in the fifth inning.

“I haven’t felt like this in a long time. When I was in the bullpen it was really hard to believe I was back,” Valenzuela said. “It meant a lot. I have the confidence that I can make it, but this gives me more.”

The left-hander last pitched in the majors with the Angels two years ago, playing in two games before his release. He spent 1992 in the Mexican League.

After the Blue Jays loaded the bases in the fifth, Valenzuela threw three consecutive balls to Pat Borders before coming back to strike him out. Domingo Cedeno hit into a 4-6-3 double play.

Kevin Mitchell might have a broken sesamoid bone in his left foot. Mitchell was examined by Dr. Richard Sellers of the Sports Medicine Clinic in Tampa, Fla. The Cincinnati Reds said Mitchell will be referred to a foot specialist.

The Reds said the injury is not related to a stress fracture that caused Mitchell to go on the disabled list last Sept. 2 and miss the remainder of the season.