Injury to Sideline Angels’ Lee Smith

Angel closer Lee Smith underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after an off-season hunting accident and may not be able to pitch until the second half of spring training, a potentially huge setback for the Angel bullpen.

Both Brian David, Smith’s agent, and Bessie Smith, his mother, confirmed that the 38-year-old right-hander had surgery on his right knee in late November, though neither would say how Smith was injured.

But team sources confirmed that Smith slipped in a hole while hunting near his Castor, La., home and tore a tendon. He apparently aggravated the injury while walking back to his truck.

A Louisiana doctor performed the surgery and Smith’s knee was placed in a brace for at least a week. Smith was examined by Angel physician Lewis Yocum last week.

Smith, who has a guaranteed contract that will pay him $1.9 million this year, will likely open spring training on a rehabilitation program that includes easy jogging and stretching. He probably won’t be able to throw full bore for several weeks.