ANGELS : Ken Patterson Picked Up for Final Spot in Bullpen

The Angels finally found their left-handed reliever Sunday, and as threatened, they went to the waiver wire to do it.

Ken Patterson, 28, who was released last week by the Houston Astros after pitching the last four seasons for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs, signed a one-year major league contract. He has a 13-7 record and 3.73 earned-run average in 177 relief appearances, and had given up 10 hits and three earned runs in nine innings this spring.

The acquisition of Patterson allowed the Angels to send left-handed relievers Jerry Nielsen (6.59 ERA) and Mark Holzemer (2.92 ERA) to triple-A Vancouver after their 6-4 defeat by the San Diego Padres at Anaheim Stadium in the final Cactus League game of the spring.

The Angels completed their pitching staff by placing right-handed reliever Scott Lewis on the 15-day disabled list because of a bruised right elbow, leaving right-handers Gene Nelson and Chuck Crim on the roster. They also sent Otis Green, who was acquired Saturday off waivers, to Vancouver.

Jerome Walton, the 1989 National League rookie of the year, beat out Ty Van Burkleo for the final roster spot. “It was a great feeling when Buck told me I made the team,” Walton said. “I didn’t want to get too excited on the outside, but inside, I’m going crazy.”

Van Burkleo, who only two weeks ago seemed a lock to make the opening day roster, faltered badly down the stretch. He had only one hit in his final 16 at-bats, dropping his average to .217.

Said Van Burkleo: “I picked a wrong time not to swing the bat well.”