Catcher Molina Called Up From Edmonton

The parade from triple-A Edmonton has begun.

The Angels, who started Tuesday 18 1/2 games behind the Texas Rangers, called up catcher Ben Molina, the first of what will be more than a few on-the-job tryouts.

“We’re going to look at a few guys,” Manager Terry Collins said. “It’s nothing concrete, but we are thinking about some things.”

Molina was one of the players Collins had in mind. He hit .286 and drove in 41 runs for Edmonton this season.

“The guys on the team kept telling me to be ready, but I wasn’t sure it was going to happen,” said Molina, who played two games for the Angels last season. “I don’t really know why I am here right now.”

He is part of the Angels’ plan to see what they have in triple-A prospects.

That could also mean starts for pitchers Scott Schoeneweis and Jarrod Washburn. Schoeneweis, who was a reliever with the Angels most of the season, is 1-0 in two starts for Edmonton since he was sent down on July 22. Washburn was a starter with Edmonton and a reliever with the Angels this season.

One of the Angels’ biggest needs, though, is at catcher.

Todd Greene, who had shoulder surgery last year, said he hasn’t given up on catching, although he may not be able to play behind the plate every day. Matt Walbeck has filled in well the last two seasons, but may be more suited to be the backup.

Molina and Bret Hemphill did most of the catching at Edmonton this year.

“Ben is going to play a lot the rest of the season,” Collins said. “But a lot of that has to do with how he does. We will make a determination on how he plays.”

Molina missed his first chance. He was scheduled to start Tuesday, but was a late scratch when he didn’t get the clubhouse until 6 p.m. His plane landed at 4 p.m., but he spent nearly two hours on the freeway getting to Edison Field.

Walbeck replaced him in the lineup. Molina is expected to start today.

“I think I have improved as a catcher,” Molina said. “I have always hit good. But I have become better at calling games and throwing out runners.”

To make room for Molina, the Angels designated veteran catcher Charlie O’Brien for assignment.

*

Jim Edmonds returned to the Angel lineup as a designated hitter Monday night. But when he found out before the game that center fielder Garret Anderson was going to get a night off, he lobbied to have his role expanded.

“I pleaded with them to let me play center field,” said Edmonds, who had shoulder surgery in April.

Dr. Lewis Yocum is allowing Edmonds to participate only as a designated hitter.

“I told Jimmy, ‘Nice try,’ ” Collins said. “We don’t need Jim Edmonds out there running into a wall and missing another two months with a shoulder injury.”

Still, Edmonds said hoped to be back in the outfield in “a couple weeks.”

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

KEN HILL

(3-10, 5.10 ERA)

vs.

ROYALS’

JAY WITASICK

(4-8, 6.77 ERA)

Edison Field, 7:30

TV--Fox Sports West.

Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

* Update--Hill has pitched well since returning from the disabled list, but he is 0-2 in those three starts. Kansas City outfielder Carlos Beltran and second baseman Carlos Febles are rookie-of-the-year candidates.

* Tickets--(714) 663-9000.