Bad Shoulder Lands Hollins on Disabled List

The Angels did not have a chance to sit back and enjoy their 9-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

After the game, the team put first baseman Dave Hollins on the 15-day disabled list because of an inflamed right shoulder. It’s the same problem Hollins had in May and was made worse when he suffered a partially separated shoulder while sliding on July 23.

Hollins played Sunday, but was replaced by Craig Shipley in the sixth. His injury leaves the Angels thin at a position that was once a strength. Darin Erstad, last year’s first baseman, sat out his fifth game because of a hamstring injury. Cecil Fielder, who played first when Erstad was moved to the outfield, was designated for assignment last Wednesday.

Angel officials said they would replace Hollins today. Chris Pritchett, first baseman for triple-A Vancouver, will be flown to Detroit today and is likely to be activated.

Shipley and Randy Velarde can play first base. Todd Greene is another option, but he has little experience at the position.

The Angels also put infielder Norberto Martin on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained neck and activated pitcher Jeff Juden.

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Pitcher Jack McDowell will make his third rehabilitation start today for double-A Midland. If all goes well, he will return to the Angel rotation this week. If not, the Angels will wait until Sept. 1, when rosters can be expanded to 40, to activate him.

“He should be able to throw 100 pitches,” Manager Terry Collins said. “If he can’t, then his elbow is bothering him. He came out of his last simulated game feeling great.”

On another rehab front, Ken Hill went three innings, giving up one run and four hits, in a start for Class-A Cedar Rapids on Sunday. He threw less than 50 pitches.

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Chuck Finley and Frank Thomas exchanged a few glares and a couple words in the third inning Sunday after a Finley pitch ran inside and forced Thomas to jump back.

“He’s competitor and I’m a competitor,” Finley said. But Finley said he wasn’t sending a message.

“Frank dives in on pitches,” Finley said.

Finley finished his day by striking out Thomas to end the seventh inning, giving him 1,900 strikeouts. Finley is second on the Angel all-time strikeout list, but has a ways to go to reach the top.

Nolan Ryan struck out 2,416 batters while with the Angels.

ON DECK

Opponent--Detroit Tigers, three games.

Site--Tiger Stadium.

Today--4 p.m.

TV--Channel 9, Monday and Tuesday.

Radio--KRLA (1110), XPRS (1090).

Records--Angels 61-55, Tigers 46-69

Record vs. Tigers--3-3

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ OMAR OLIVARES (5-8, 4.31 ERA) vs. TIGERS’ FRANK CASTILLO (3-7, 7.81 ERA)

Update--The Tigers have lost six consecutive games and starting pitcher Justin Thompson was scratched for tonight because of a stiff back. Former Angel Damion Easley is hitting .396 with runners in scoring position, tops in the American League.

Tuesday--Jeff Juden (first American League start) vs. Brian Moehler (12-8, 3.58).

Wednesday--Both teams undecided.