Dickson Blames Hip for Injury

Angel pitcher Jason Dickson, who went on the disabled list Friday, believes that he developed tendinitis in his right shoulder compensating for his sore hip.

He said he experienced extreme tightness in the shoulder Monday, the day after he started against the Texas Rangers, and the pain did not dissipate as the week passed. It is the same shoulder that was repaired surgically last March.

Asked if the shoulder were more sensitive because of the surgery, Dickson said, “I wouldn’t say it’s more vulnerable. After surgery, though, you become more aware of your body. I thought, ‘Why bother? Why be a tough guy for two starts in May, when there’s July, August and September to think about?’ ”

Dickson is eligible to return to the 25-man roster on May 30. The club will have him make at least one minor-league rehabilitation start before he comes back, Manager Mike Scioscia said.

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It appears that Gary DiSarcina is leaning toward shoulder surgery, which might end his season.

Scioscia said that DiSarcina is coming to terms with the idea of losing the season after playing only half of last season. He also is measuring the impact of surgery on the rest of his career, Scioscia said.

DiSarcina, 32, is signed with the Angels through this season.

“I think it’s the right decision to think more long term,” said Scioscia, who faced a similar decision later in his career and opted for the surgery. “But, the guy’s a warrior. He’s a gamer. It’s tough.”

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Right-hander Brett Hinchliffe arrived from triple-A Edmonton. He’ll assume a long role in the bullpen during Al Levine’s emergency duty in the starting rotation. . . . Tim Belcher threw for 15 minutes Saturday. There is no timetable for his return.

Today

ANGELS’

KENT BOTTENFIELD

(3-4, 3.92)

vs.

ROYALS’

CHRIS FUSSELL

(3-2, 4.24)

Edison Field, 1

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

* Update--Though he has a 3.57 earned-run average at home, Bottenfield is 1-3 at Edison Field. He has given up more than three runs in only two of nine starts, has a 3.10 ERA in May, and still has a losing record. Fussell turned 24 on Friday. He is 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA in three May starts. The Angels could get him early. The first nine batters average .292 against him, the second nine .196.

* Tickets--(714) 663-9000.