Edmonds Told to Back Off

Outfielder Jim Edmonds, who has not played this season because of surgery on his right shoulder, was hoping to return by Aug. 1. After being examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum Sunday, Edmonds was told to back off.

Yocum said that the original four-month estimate set after Edmonds’ April 22 surgery stands. That would mean the two-time Gold Glove center fielder would return in mid-August.

“If it is Sept. 1, I wouldn’t be surprised, but I would be disappointed,” Yocum said. “We want to slow him down. We want it to heal. There is no reason to rush things and cause further damage. We need to balance that with Jim’s enthusiasm to get back.”

Edmonds began taking batting practice on Thursday and, buoyed by outfielder Tim Salmon’s return Saturday, was hoping to return for the next homestand.

Instead, he will continue his workouts and spend time at Class-A Lake Elsinore while the Angels are on the road. Coach Rod Carew will map out a hitting program.

Edmonds experienced soreness after taking batting practice last week, which caused some concern among Angel officials. Yocum met with Edmonds, General Manager Bill Bavasi, Manager Terry Collins and trainer Ned Bergert before the game.

Edmonds said before the meeting that he was unconcerned about the soreness.

“There is no pain from the area of the surgery, just the muscles around it,” Edmonds said.

Still, it was sore enough that the Angels decided to have him take the day off and relax.

“When he is physically ready to play, then he will play,” Collins said. “I don’t want to have him here for just four days.”

*

Yocum, who was allowed to talk with the media for the first time since Angel officials put a media gag on him in April, said that pitcher Tim Belcher is still one-to-two weeks away from returning.

Belcher has been out since June 27, when he fractured the pinky on his right hand tagging out Oakland’s Ryan Christenson at home plate.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ KEN HILL (3-8, 5.58 ERA) vs. PADRES’ MATT CLEMENT (5-8, 4.78 ERA)

Edison Field, 7

TV--Fox Sports West. Radio--KLAC (590), XPRS (1090).

* Update--Hill is making his first start since going on the disabled list July 2 because of a sore elbow. “It might flare up again, I don’t know,” Hill said. “But if it doesn’t hurt, then I’m going to pitch.”