ANGELS

The Angels’ best-case scenario of an opening-day lineup that includes second baseman Randy Velarde and catcher Todd Greene is looking more like a pipe dream these days.

Friday’s MRI of Velarde’s surgically reconstructed elbow showed the ligament is intact, but extended rest has been prescribed in an effort to reduce the inflammation that has left his elbow “very tight and very tender.”

The same test on Greene’s surgically repaired right shoulder revealed “no new problems or changes,” according to team physician Lewis Yocum, but Manager Terry Collins said the Angels will take a very conservative approach to the catcher’s rehabilitation this time.

Greene will rest for three or four days and then start shoulder strengthening exercises. Velarde is scheduled to try hitting off a tee Friday.

“Sure, it’s frustrating to have to shut it down and start over,” Greene said, “but there’s absolutely nothing I can do about it. I’m just glad it’s just tendinitis.”

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A former Angel who’s also hoping to bounce back from arm surgery made his debut as Padre on Saturday. Left-hander Mark Langston, who underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery last May, gave up three hits, one run, walked two and struck out two in the first three innings of San Diego’s 8-4 split-squad victory over the Angels at Peoria, Ariz.