Nina Has His Health, and His Good Stuff

Elvin Nina appears to be healthy. The 24-year-old right-hander, who had an extended spring training because of a strained muscle in his right arm, made his first start for double-A Erie last week. He took a no-hitter into the eighth inning before giving up a single. He allowed three more hits before being relieved. He went seven innings, allowing two runs.

Nina was acquired last July in the deal that sent second baseman Randy Velarde and pitcher Omar Olivares to the Oakland Athletics. The Angels also received outfielders Jeff DaVanon and Nathan Hayes.

Last season was Nina’s most successful. He was a combined 11-4 with a 3.11 earned-run average for Modesto, Midland and Erie. He was 3-0 with a 4.07 ERA for Erie, the Angels’ double-A farm team.

John Lackey, the Angels’ first-round draft pick last June, is off to a fast start for Class-A Cedar Rapids.

After finishing 6-2 with a 4.98 ERA in rookie league for Boise last season, he is 3-2 with a 2.08 ERA this season, with 21 strikeouts and five walks.

The Angels were expecting to have a wealth of pitching at triple-A Edmonton this season, but Brian Cooper has been shelled and Jarrod Washburn and Matt Wise have labored. Scot Shields made a strong debut, striking out 12 in his first game--one shy of Ramon Ortiz’ team record--but has struggled since and is 1-1 with a 4.67 ERA.