Smith Has Shaky Outing in Class-A

Closer Lee Smith’s first rehabilitation appearance at Class-A Lake Elsinore on Friday won’t go very far in convincing the Angels he is ready to be activated from the disabled list.

In one inning against the Visalia Oaks, Smith gave up one hit, two runs (one earned), one walk and a wild pitch. He struck out one and made 19 pitches.

Smith, who went on the disabled list April 4 because of swelling in his injured right knee, also didn’t endear himself to Storm fans, who booed him when he failed to cover home on his wild pitch, which allowed a run to score.

Smith, who hadn’t played in the minor leagues since 1980, will have a chance to make amends--he’ll pitch again in Lake Elsinore on Sunday, before the Angels consider inserting him in their bullpen for next week’s trip.

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The Angels are leaning toward employing an 11-man pitching staff after Jason Grimsley is activated for tonight’s game against the Tigers, meaning a position player, most likely infielder Dick Schofield, will have to be designated for assignment.

The Angels would like to keep Schofield, 33, who was the team’s starting shortstop from 1984-91, in the system as an emergency defensive replacement for shortstop Gary DiSarcina.

But Schofield, who has appeared in only four games and has yet to make a plate appearance, said Friday he probably wouldn’t accept an assignment to play at triple-A Vancouver.