Split Decision Goes to Percival

As if Troy Percival’s 95-mph fastball wasn’t enough of a weapon, the Angel closer has been working on a split-fingered pitch, which he plans to unveil this spring.

“It’s not something I’m going to rely on,” Percival said Sunday, as pitchers and catchers held their first workout out in Tempe, Ariz. “But it’s always good to have some things you might need later in your career.”

Pitching coach Marcel Lachemann said Percival has been gaining command of the pitch rapidly, but Percival, who is also trying to perfect a changeup to go with his fastball and curve, will need complete confidence in the split- finger this spring before using it in games.

“I don’t necessarily want to have four pitches, because then I’ll start thinking about what I’m doing,” said Percival, who had 27 saves last season. “In a one-run game, you don’t to lose with your fourth pitch. I’m not going to out-think or trick anyone.”

He will overpower them, though. Since beginning regular treatments with an osteopathic specialist three months ago, Percival has regained complete feeling in his right shoulder, and he said his fastball and curve “are 100%” this spring.

Percival suffered nerve problems last spring and spent five weeks on the disabled list in April and May. It was believed Percival’s use of chewing tobacco and caffeine contributed to his condition, but Percival discovered this winter that the problem stemmed from a car accident seven years ago.

“[Angel left fielder] Garret Anderson and I got broadsided in a van during the Arizona Fall League,” Percival said. “I was fine at the time, but I didn’t realize it stretched some ligaments and knocked my neck out of alignment.

“All these years, I’ve been compensating with different muscles until I ran out of things to use. My shoulder was completely degenerated, but the doctor realigned my neck and after six treatments, I gained my strength back. It’s a huge confidence boost.”

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The Angels’ hopes of signing Cuban pitcher Orlando Hernandez, the free-agent right-hander who is the older half-brother of Florida Marlin pitcher Livan Hernandez, may have dimmed over the weekend. Hernandez is believed to be looking for a signing bonus and one-year contract package in the $5-million range, and that may be too rich for the Angels’ blood. . . . Reserve first baseman Chris Pritchett underwent elbow surgery to remove bone chips three weeks ago but has recovered quickly enough to participate in early workouts.