Harris Expected to Stay in Bullpen

Right-hander Pep Harris, who struck out three, walked one and didn’t give up a hit in 3 2/3 innings of relief Tuesday night, will probably remain in the bullpen the rest of the season.

“It’s still not out of the question that he might get a start, and we talked about that possibility last night,” interim Manager John McNamara said, “but right now, he’s more valuable in the bullpen.”

Harris has a 3.86 earned-run average in four relief appearances.

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Left-hander Mark Langston, out for the season because of an injury to his right knee, can’t work on lowering his ERA, but he can work on lowering his handicap.

“Golf has been a life-saver for me,” he said. “It’s really frustrating having to watch and not being able to do anything. Golf has been therapeutic.”

Langston, who hurt his knee Aug. 11 while playing with his children in his swimming pool, won’t try any form of rehabilitation until a “week or two” after the season. And at this point, he’s still hoping to avoid surgery.

“It really feels better, all the pain I had inside the knee is gone,” he said. “Actually, the pain has kind of moved to the outside, but it’s nothing like it was before. I feel like it’s really healing.”

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The Angels and Butte Copper Kings of the Pioneer League agreed to a two-year player development contract. Butte replaces Mesa, Ariz., as the club’s rookie league affiliate.