Club Says It Didn’t Pull Plug on TV

Director of Communications Bill Roberston denied a Prime Ticket report Sunday night that the Disney Co. had blacked out ESPN’s coverage of Sunday’s game against Oakland.

“The game was never supposed to be televised,” Robertson said. “The five o’clock start probably was the cause of the misinformation because it coincides with the ESPN telecasts, but we’re just tinkering with starting times, especially on the weekends, to see what kind of support we get.

“It’s something we’ve done with the Mighty Ducks too. We’re responding to some of the feedback we’ve gotten from the fans. A lot of people seem to like the early evening start on Sunday because it gives them time to do things during the day and still come out for the game.”

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Third baseman Jack Howell, on the disabled list because of a strained right hamstring, took a few swings, fielded some ground balls and jogged in the outfield.

“I feel great, but how it feels [today] will be the key,” Howell said. “If I can get right back out there and do the same, or maybe a little more, that would be really great.”

Manager Marcel Lachemann said Howell will probably go to the minors for a short rehabilitation assignment before returning. “I think he needs to test it in a game situation, where you have to react, instead of just in a controlled situation like this,” Lachemann said.

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A day later, the Angels were still marveling at rookie right-hander Ryan Hancock, who held Oakland to four singles in seven innings Sunday. “I’m not saying he doesn’t have good stuff, but it was really more than you could expect,” Lachemann said, “especially considering what had happened to three of our better starters in the previous three games.” The A’s scored 19 runs and hit seven home runs against Shawn Boskie, Chuck Finley and Jason Grimsley.