Johnson Fully Expected on the Mound Tonight

Trade rumors continue to swirl in Seattle, which had been trying to deal pitcher Randy Johnson, but when the Angels boarded their charter to the Pacific Northwest Tuesday night, it was with the understanding they would be facing Johnson in the Kingdome tonight.

“That’s what we’re getting ready for,” Manager Terry Collins said. “If they’re getting close to making a deal, I wouldn’t be surprised if they wait until after tonight to make it. At least, that’s what I’d try to do.”

That would be just like the Mariners, wouldn’t it? Johnson has tortured the Angels enough over the years, with a 13-5 career record and 2.69 earned-run average against them, including a convincing victory in the one-game playoff to determine the 1995 American League West championship.

Why not stick it to the Angels one more time, letting Johnson pitch against them before trading him?

“It would be great,” Angel shortstop Gary DiSarcina said, “to get him out of the league.”

That may not happen this season. The Mariners, in response to an MSNBC report Tuesday that a deal had been completed with the Dodgers, issued a strongly worded statement that Johnson is off the trading block, so it appears the 6-foot-10 left-hander will again be a factor in the division race.

Which means the Angels will have to deal with him tonight.

*

Almost lost amid all the beanballs and fights and ejections Tuesday night was the fact that Angel left-hander Jarrod Washburn shined in his major league debut, giving up two hits and one unearned run in 6 1/3 innings against the Royals. Washburn walked six and struck out five, but he never seemed to be in much trouble.

“That’s a big story,” Collins said. “He was outstanding. He battled, he moved the ball around . . . it’s tough to have your first game in a situation like that.”

*

The Angels have expressed an interest in Dodger pitcher Hideo Nomo, who was designated for assignment Monday, but they are not willing to match the Dodgers’ current asking price--a front-line reliever, according to a source.

The Dodgers are believed to have discussed a deal with the Orioles, asking for closer Armando Benitez, and if that’s the caliber of player the Dodgers want, the Angels will not be trading for Nomo any time soon.

But if the Dodgers can’t trade Nomo during an allotted 10-day period, the Angels could possibly claim the pitcher off waivers or pursue him as a free agent if he refuses a minor league assignment.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Seattle Mariners, two games.

* Site--Kingdome, Seattle.

* Tonight--7:30.

* TV--Channel 9, Thursday.

* Radio--KRLS (1110), XPRS (1090), KIK-FM (94.3)

* Records--Angels 29-26, Mariners 26-31

* 1997 record vs. Mariners--6-6

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ CHUCK FINLEY (5-2, 2.32 ERA) vs. MARINERS’ RANDY JOHNSON (5-3, 5.47 ERA)

* Update--Finley returned to Anaheim on Monday to be with his wife, due this week with the couple’s second child, but the left-hander is expected to rejoin team in time for tonight’s game. The Mariner bullpen, which has blown a league-high 12 save opportunities, was torched in Baltimore the past two games.