Recovering Van Poppel Feeling Good

Todd Van Poppel still has a long way to go before he becomes an effective relief pitcher, but considering where he was 2 1/2 months ago--in surgery to repair a herniated disk--the right-hander has made tremendous strides.

“I look at guys like Randy Johnson, who had the same operation, take months to come back, and I’m surprised how good I feel,” said Van Poppel, who retired all three batters he faced Tuesday against the Oakland Athletics at Phoenix. “I feel better now than I have in two years. Hopefully that will lead to good pitching.”

Van Poppel had experienced periodic back pain for the last two seasons with Detroit and Oakland, but when he wrenched it again playing with his nephews over the Christmas holidays, doctors recommended surgery.

Van Poppel, who spent about two months rehabilitating in Texas, reported to camp March 1 and was pitching in an exhibition game March 3. He has a 9.45 ERA in five appearances, but pitching exclusively out of the stretch Tuesday seemed to help.

“I still have some mechanical stuff to work out, but I feel pretty good, pretty confident,” said Van Poppel, who is competing for a middle relief job. “I’ve just got to be consistent with my breaking ball. But I’m feeling healthy, and that’s what’s important now.”

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Had former Pittsburgh Pirate star Dave Parker been inducted into the Hall of Fame, he might not have been coaching first base for the Angels this season.

“I wanted to be the first player to make the Hall of Fame and come back and play,” said Parker, 45. “I would have definitely tried to come back with an American League club as a designated hitter. I’ve still got a quick bat.”

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The Angels were off Wednesday and resume Cactus League play today against the Milwaukee Brewers in Tempe Diablo Stadium. Jason Dickson, who began camp fighting for the fifth spot in the rotation but was named by Manager Terry Collins as the team’s No. 2 starter Tuesday, will pitch for the Angels.