Percival Returns to L.A.

Closer Troy Percival, who began experiencing severe back spasms and numbness in his right arm Wednesday morning, returned to Los Angeles Thursday to be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum, who ruled out vascular problems as a source for Percival’s pain.

“It could be a nerve problem, muscle spasms or fatigue of the arm,” said Yocum, who was still reviewing Percival’s nerve conductor test. “But I’m ruling out anything serious.

“We don’t want to be dealing with a David Cone [aneurysm in his arm in 1996] situation. Any time you have a thrower like this with a sudden change, you want to rule out everything possible. His arm seems fine and he feels better today [Thursday], but I’d rather be safe with it.”

Percival, who underwent surgery to remove a large calcium deposit in his elbow in 1993 but recovered to become one of baseball’s best relievers, will return to Tempe to begin a therapy program of hot packs and ultrasound treatments today.

Yocum said Percival will probably be able to begin soft-tossing on Sunday, but he couldn’t project how long the right-hander will be sidelined.

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Angel left-hander Mark Langston did not fare well against the San Diego Padres’ projected opening-day lineup Thursday night, giving up six runs on nine hits, including homers by Ken Caminiti and Greg Vaughn, in 4 2/3 innings of the Angels’ 17-0 loss at Peoria, Ariz. Dennis Springer had an even rockier outing, giving up seven runs on seven hits in the sixth inning. The Padres, who had 21 hits Thursday, have outscored the Angels, 43-5, in three exhibition games.