Timing Is Everything in Return of McDowell

Jack McDowell is ready to pitch, according to Angel Manager Terry Collins. The problem is when.

McDowell, who has been on the disabled list since June 1 because of an elbow injury, must serve a four-game suspension for his part in the Angels’ June 2 brawl with the Kansas City Royals.

“He is going to be suspended the day we activate him,” Collins said. “We have to pick our spot.”

Collins would like McDowell to be in the starting rotation when the Angels play five games in four days against the New York Yankees to open the next trip, beginning Aug. 24.

Collins did not say whom McDowell would displace in the rotation. Chuck Finley, Steve Sparks and Omar Olivares have all pitched well recently. Newly acquired Jeff Juden was overpowering in his first start. That leaves Allen Watson.

To take Watson’s next turn, McDowell would have to be activated by Saturday, then serve his suspension. If Watson gives the Angels a quality start, he will be unable to pitch in relief for a couple of games.

*

On another rehab front, Ken Hill pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings for Class A Cedar Rapids.

TODAY

ANGELS’

ALLEN WATSON

(4-7, 6.24 ERA)

vs.

BLUE JAYS’

PAT HENTGEN

(10-8, 5.11 ERA)

SkyDome, 4 p.m.

TV--Channel 9. Radio--KRLA (1110), XPRS (1090)

* Update--Watson is 1-2 with 6.19 earned-run average in three starts since returning after time on the disabled list July 13. He looked sharp in his last relief appearance, retiring all five Chicago White Sox batters he faced. But he was struck on the calf by a Frank Thomas line drive and had to leave the game.