One Steps Up, One Steps Back

One Angel pitcher on the disabled list took a major step toward his return Monday, while another remained in limbo, his recovery slowed by a sore arm.

An MRI test Monday revealed some inflammation in Tim Belcher’s elbow, but not in the specific area he underwent surgery last November. No timetable has been set for another throwing session or bullpen workout for Belcher, who has played catch only once in the past week.

Belcher, who has grown more frustrated with each setback, originally hoped to return in late April, but it now appears the earliest the veteran right-hander could join the Angels is June. He was recalled from his minor league rehabilitation assignment Monday.

“They’ve narrowed the soreness to one spot in his elbow, and it’s not near his old injury,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “He’s still day-to-day as far as his throwing.”

The outlook is much brighter for Jason Dickson, who tried to simulate game conditions Monday during a 15-minute bullpen workout, the third time the right-hander has thrown off a mound since going on the disabled list on April 29 because of a strained left hip flexor.

Dickson said he had no problems Monday and fully expects to be ready when he’s eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday.

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One would be hard-pressed to come up with a list in which Mickey Mantle ranked first and Shigetoshi Hasegawa second, but the Hall of Fame center fielder and Angel reliever were linked together Sunday, in no less historic a place than Yankee Stadium.

The occasion was Bob Sheppard Day, a ceremony in which the 50-year Yankee public-address announcer was honored with a plaque and enshrined in Monument Park.

Asked to list his favorite names to announce, in order, Sheppard said: Mickey Mantle, Shigetoshi Hasegawa, Salome Barojas, Jose Valdivielso and Alvaro Espinoza.

“Anglo-Saxon names are not very euphonious,” Sheppard said. “What can I do with Steve Sax? What can I do with Mickey Klutts? I have more fun with Shi-ge-TOE-shi Ha-se-GA-wah.”

Hasegawa was stunned--and pleased--that Sheppard ranked him so highly.

“That’s great,” the Japanese right-hander said. “At some stadiums my name sounds funny, like Shigetoshi Hase-who-ya, but the guy in Yankee Stadium pronounces it as good as anyone.”

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ KEN HILL (3-3, 7.39 ERA) vs. ATHLETICS’ GIL HEREDIA (3-2, 2.65 ERA)

Edison Field, 7

TV--Fox Sports Net.

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

* Update--To make room for pitcher Ariel Prieto and second baseman Randy Velarde, who both came off the disabled list and started Monday night, the A’s optioned third baseman Adam Piatt to triple-A Sacramento and designated left-handed pitcher Ron Mahay for assignment. Hill, who is on a strict pitch count, has pitched into the seventh inning just once and has given up 46 hits, including nine home runs, in 35 1/3 innings. Heredia ranks second in the American League in ERA and has allowed only two home runs in 37 1/3 innings.

* Tickets--(714) 663-9000.