Impressive Performance for Belcher

Tim Belcher was so sluggish Monday he said he felt he was “running uphill against the wind in a foot of water.” He still made quite a splash.

The right-hander cruised through four hitless innings before giving up three unearned runs in the fifth in an 8-5 exhibition victory over San Diego in Tempe, Ariz. Belcher went 5 2/3 innings, gave up five hits, walked three and struck out none in his 88-pitch stint.

“Spring training is a a never-ending schedule of daytime workouts and games, and you get to a point where you feel a little tired,” Belcher, 37, said. “When I feel that way, I try to slow down, keep my mind sharp and hit spots. It’s gratifying knowing you did pretty well without your best stuff.”

That is why the Angels signed Belcher to a two-year, $10.2-million contract this winter. Belcher will win when he’s on, but he also figures to find a way to grind out a victory on nights he’s not feeling up to par.

“He’s a gamer,” Manager Terry Collins said. “Watch his expressions, even in a spring training game. He went 3-0 on a guy today and got so mad he looked like he wanted to slit his wrists. That’s why we got him.”

Collins said Belcher will start opening day against the Cleveland Indians at Edison Field on April 6, what with Chuck Finley’s progress slowed by upper back spasms. Finley will be moved to the back of the rotation.

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The Angels, concerned about the lack of a late-inning defensive replacement behind the plate, are considering recalling catcher Fausto Tejero from minor league camp to compete with Phil Nevin for a backup job.

With Matt Walbeck sidelined because of a broken bone in his hand, Charlie O’Brien will open the season as the primary catcher. But Collins probably will pinch-hit and pinch-run for O’Brien late in close games.

That would leave Todd Greene, who is still recovering from shoulder problems, and Nevin, a converted infielder with one year of catching experience, as defensive replacements.

Tejero, 30, has played nine minor league seasons, the last two with Atlanta’s triple-A team in Richmond, Va., and he has impressed Angel coaches with his defensive skills.

Reserve outfielder Orlando Palmeiro appears to have locked up a roster spot. Palmeiro, who is hitting .345 this spring, can play all three outfield spots and proved valuable as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner last season.