Dickson’s Status Uncertain

The Angels will keep a close eye on right-hander Jason Dickson, scheduled to start Saturday against the Kansas City Royals but apparently still not at full strength because of a hip injury.

One official said it was “not a certainty” that Dickson would make his start, but that it was expected. Dickson came off the disabled list to make a start Sunday against the Texas Rangers and didn’t get out of the second inning.

Al Levine, the probable replacement if Dickson is not be able to pitch, will start May 27, when Kent Mercker’s spot comes up.

*

On a pace to drive in 100 runs for the first time in his career, Garret Anderson sacrificed in the ninth inning Wednesday night for the 12th time in his career, and for the first time in two seasons.

The bunt took the bat out of the hands of Troy Glaus, who was intentionally walked with Tim Salmon at second base. But Scott Spiezio delivered the key single in an 8-7 victory. Seven of the Angels’ last nine victories have come by one run.

“That goes to show you that Garret Anderson is a team player,” Manager Mike Scioscia said.

Even so, the bunt was unexpected.

“Fish [Salmon] thought he missed a sign,” Anderson said, laughing.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Kansas City Royals, three games.

* Site--Edison Field.

* Tonight--7.

* TV--Fox Sports Net all three games.

* Radio--KMPC (1540), XPRS (1090) tonight; KLAC (570), XPRS (1090) Saturday and Sunday.

* Records--Angels 20-21, Royals 21-19.

* record vs. Royals (1999)--7-5.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

JARROD WASHBURN

(0-1, 7.50)

VS.

ROYALS’

JEFF SUPPAN

(1-3, 5.20)

* Update--The Royals won two of three at Oakland this week, knocking the A’s out of first place in the American League West. Since Ricky Bottalico was demoted out of the closer spot, right-hander Jerry Spradlin (Katella High, Fullerton College) has converted all three save opportunities. Right fielder Jermaine Dye did not start a game in the Oakland series because of stiffness in his lower back and second baseman Carlos Febles was taken out of Wednesday’s game because of a sore left wrist. Dye, whose 13 home runs and 38 runs batted in place him among the league leaders, is two for 23 on a trip that began in Cleveland. The Angels are 4-5 on the homestand, their longest of the season.

* Saturday, 7 p.m.--Jason Dickson (2-2, 6.11) vs. Mac Suzuki (1-0, 3.86)

* Sunday, 1 p.m.--Kent Bottenfield (3-4, 3.92) vs. Chris Fussell (3-2, 4.24)

* Tickets--(714) 663-9000.