Twins Put an End to Leftwich’s Streak

The Angels might have suspected Phil Leftwich was due to come back to earth after giving up only four earned runs in 23 2/3 innings during his previous three starts. But they probably didn’t expect Monday night’s crash.

He didn’t even have time to get his landing gear down.

Leftwich managed to get just six outs and was ostensibly removed because of swelling in his right lower leg. Considering the way the Minnesota Twins were shooting line drives around Anaheim Stadium, however, Manager Marcel Lachemann might have had the health of all his players on the field in mind.

Leftwich gave up six hits and six earned runs and we’re not talking bloopers and bleeders here. Chuck Knoblauch, the first hitter of the game, sent a rocket to the warning track. Chad Curtis ran it down in front of the 404 sign, but the Twins had a 2-0 lead before Leftwich got another out.

Leftwich retired the Twins in order in the second, but the first four Minnesota batters in the third got hits and eventually scored. Alex Cole led off with a single and then Kirby Puckett sent a low missile over the wall in left-center.

It might not have been the farthest home run of the year, but it might have been the fastest . Almost immediately after the crack of the bat, the ball was clattering around in the seats.

Kent Hrbek singled to right and Shane Mack lined an 0-2 pitch into the right-field corner for a double. That’s when Lachemann went to the mound and Leftwich came out with the leg problem, diagnosed as Anterior Compartment Syndrome.

Given his effectiveness on this evening, Leftwich might also be suffering from Don’t-Buy-a-House-Get-an-Apartment Syndrome.

“He told (pitching coach) Chuck (Hernandez) when he went out to the mound earlier in the inning that his shin was bothering him,” Lachemann said. “I’m sure it had an effect on him. That wasn’t the same guy you saw the last couple of weeks.”

Leftwich made a quick exit from the game and an even quicker one from the clubhouse. He was dressed and gone by the time the media arrived.

He will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging test today and be examined by team physician Dr. Lewis Yocum tonight. Ned Bergert, Angel team trainer, said Leftwich had been bothered by the leg problem for three weeks, which coincides with three of the best outings of Leftwich’s career.

“He’s been nursing it and getting treatment,” Hernandez said, “but it hasn’t been a problem. He was on a good run, so you hate to see that get interrupted.”