BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Walton Isn’t Injured in Car Wreck

Angel outfielder Jerome Walton said he was fortunate to be alive Saturday after wrecking his 1993 Corvette in a one-car accident.

Walton was hospitalized for tests, but no injuries were found and he was released in time for the game.

“I’m very lucky I was wearing my seat belt, that might have saved me,” Walton said. “I banged my head pretty good. I think I hit the roof of the car, but I don’t even know. All I know is that I’ve got a pretty good headache.”

Walton said he was driving Saturday morning when he reached in the back of his car for his wallet. The next thing he knew, he was over the curb and running into a light standard.

“I was just careless,” Walton said, “and basically forgot what I was doing. It was just dumb on my part.”

Pitcher Pete Janicki, the Angels’ No. 1 pick in the 1992 draft and considered the best prospect in the organization, suffered a broken right elbow Friday night while making his professional debut for Class A Palm Springs. He is scheduled to be examined today by Dr. Lewis Yocum.

Gary Gaetti made his 1993 debut, starting at first base instead of J.T. Snow. Gaetti will also start today, replacing Chili Davis as the designated hitter.