As Leyritz Hits, Fabregas Sits

While catcher Jim Leyritz continues as the Angels’ hottest batter, Jorge Fabregas sits and waits . . . and waits.

“It’s been tough,” Fabregas said. “It’s hard to stay mentally sharp. But Jim has been doing the job. He’s the hottest hitter in the league right now.”

Leyritz was batting .396, third in the American League, with four home runs and 16 runs batted in going into Wednesday’s game. Fabregas has played in only four of the last 13 games.

It was not the scenario Fabregas envisioned when the season began. He had batted .319 during spring training. His defensive skills, along with the fact he is a left-handed batter, figured to get Fabregas plenty of playing time.

“I did everything you need to do to win a job,” said Fabregas, who batted .287 in 90 games last season. “A year ago, I might have been devastated. But I’m a year older and I understand it’s a long season. I know guys have hot streaks and cold streaks. I’m going to get my chance.”

The difficult part is being ready when it comes. Fabregas not only has to keep his batting skills in tune but remain ready as a catcher.

He lifts weights and spends time working on blocking pitches, as well as hitting them. He also catches pitchers in the bullpen before games.

“I worry most about keeping my defensive skills sharp,” Fabregas said. “I have to ready to go in at any time. The hitting will come around. I know that. I only have 17 at-bats. I’ll get a lot more.”

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Pitchers Troy Percival and Mark Gubicza said they will begin playing catch Friday, although Manager Terry Collins said he’s waiting to hear that from a higher source.

“So far, the only people I’ve heard that from is Troy and Mark,” Collins said. “When the trainer tells me they are ready, then they will start throwing.

“We brought Troy back before he was ready once. Every time I asked Mark how he was, he would say fine. I knew he was pitching with a sore shoulder. We want to bring them back when they are completely healthy so they can help us.”

Both Percival and Gubicza are on the 15-day disabled list because of shoulder injuries.

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The situation around Darin Erstad’s home in Fargo (N.D.) has improved. He had traveled five hours Thursday from Minneapolis to Fargo when the home was threatened by flooding.

“The water is receding right now, so I think it’s going to be all right,” Erstad said. “We just hope the dike holds.”

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Todd Greene, optioned to triple-A Vancouver on April 15, has three home runs and nine runs batted in six games with the team. Greene is eligible to be recalled Friday.