Velarde Makes Trip to Chicago

Randy Velarde, out for more than a year after reconstructive surgery on his right elbow, is ready to return as the Angel second baseman, possibly as soon as Tuesday.

Velarde, who has been on a rehabilitation assignment with Class-A Lake Elsinore, traveled with the team to Chicago Sunday night.

“This is my opening day,” Velarde said. “I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. Emotions are going to be high.”

Catcher Todd Greene, who was also on a rehabilitation assignment at Lake Elsinore, is headed to triple-A Vancouver for his next phase. Velarde, though, said a trip to Vancouver wouldn’t make him any more ready than he is right now.

“If I was being overmatched in A ball, that would be one thing,” Velarde said. “I made six plays last night and four of them were off-balance. I’m making the pivot at second [on double plays]. I’m as ready as you can get.”

With his return, the Angels suddenly have a glut at second base. Norberto Martin has seen the most time at second, with Carlos Garcia and Craig Shipley filling in. As a trio, they are hitting .185. One of the three will likely be sent out.

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Closer Troy Percival, who gained his 10th save Sunday, has given up his first-batter shtick of squatting behind the mound with no effect on his performance. He said the ritual helped him focus, but it also drew a delay of game in Baltimore on April 28--a pitcher must throw within 12 seconds of the first batter being announced or be called for a ball.

“I don’t want to hurt my team or cause an uprising,” Percival said. “They make these rules to help baseball. If they told me I had to pitch from 64 feet, I would. If they tell me to pitch within a certain amount of time, then I will.”

Percival now focuses while walking in from the bullpen.

“I get locked in so I don’t have to rush the first pitch,” he said.

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Tim Salmon’s injured left foot was sore Sunday, but not enough to keep him out of the lineup. “If [Sunday] had been a 1 p.m. game, he wouldn’t have played,” Manager Terry Collins said. “He had enough rest time and tomorrow is an off day. If he continues to feel mediocre, then he’ll be out there.”

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Pitcher Jack McDowell played catch for 10 minutes in the bullpen Sunday and said he felt no discomfort in his right elbow. He made the trip with the team and was scheduled to throw again Tuesday.