Injured Pitchers Making Progress Toward Return

The Angels inched toward an injury-free pitching staff Monday afternoon.

Ken Hill, Jason Dickson and Mark Petkovsek each threw simulated games, and Tim Belcher pitched a rehabilitation game in Fresno.

The pitchers’ recuperation process has been long and tedious for the Angels and their rookie manager, Mike Scioscia.

But, at this rate, assuming there are no complications, Hill could be on a big-league mound on June 20 against the Kansas City Royals, and Dickson could start the next night, against the Royals.

Belcher is expected back sooner. Monday night at Fresno, he threw 61 pitches in three innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs.

Hill is scheduled to make minor-league rehabilitation starts Saturday and on June 15, Dickson on Sunday and the following Friday.

“Helping this ballclub, that’s what I want,” Hill said. “I just want to win.”

Dickson says his shoulder and hip are sound. Hill, who has a chronically sore elbow, was on the disabled list because of a muscle strain in his right side.

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The Angels have had the luxury of healing their veterans while schooling their young pitchers.

In the long term, Seth Etherton, Brian Cooper, Jarrod Washburn and Scott Schoeneweis could be wiser and more effective for having spent time with the big league club.

“I can’t think of a team anyplace that’s lost five starting pitchers and still been competitive,” Scioscia said. “I shouldn’t say ‘competitive’: Contending.”

The Angels rank ninth in the American League in team earned-run average (5.20), 13th in walks issued and 12th in home runs allowed.

“But,” Hill said, “some of these young guys are stepping in. That’s all we can ask. They’re holding their own. Plus, they’re gaining experience. These young guys are the future of this ballclub.”

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In Scioscia, Giant Manager Dusty Baker not only has a friend but a huge fan.

“Dusty and I, we’ve talked baseball for 20 years,” Scioscia said. “The guy has such great insights into the game.

“He not only understands the game, but he has a personality players relate to. He treats people like men, with respect. In that way, he earns people’s respect.”

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Belcher hasn’t done much tangibly for the Angels, but young and old players rave about his observations and insights.

San Diego third baseman Phil Nevin, for one, credits Belcher with aiding his turnaround.

That Belcher, at 38, has rehabilitated his surgically repaired elbow with unusual ferocity hasn’t escaped the attention of management.

“This guy loves to play,” Scioscia said, “loves to pitch and still has the ability to pitch. That’s why he’s doing all of this. You can’t discourage him. He’s undaunted by all the struggles.”

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ SETH ETHERTON

(0-1, 5.40)

vs.

GIANTS’ JOE NATHAN

(2-1, 5.73)

Edison Field, 7

TV--Fox Sports Net. Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

* Update--The Giants continue to wring their hands over tonight’s starter. It probably will be Nathan, who is expected to come off the disabled list. It could be right-hander Mark Gardner (4-2, 5.71). Nathan, who experienced tendinitis in his right shoulder, has given up three earned runs or fewer in 14 of 21 career starts. Etherton has given up five home runs in 10 innings over two starts.

* Tickets--(714) 663-9000.