Wooten Breaks Out in Big Way

By Gary Klein

July 25, 2002 12 AM PT

Shawn Wooten of the Angels was not in the lineup against the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night, but he still enjoyed his 30th birthday.

Wooten had ended an 0-for-18 skid the night before with three hits, two against Oakland left-hander Barry Zito and one against right-hander Jim Mecir.

It was the first three-hit game of the season for Wooten, who missed the first 86 games after undergoing surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right thumb. Wooten was activated from the disabled list July 11.

“It’s almost like I’m still in spring training,” said Wooten, who is seven for 26 with a home run and four runs batted in. “I’m still working to get good swings on the ball. I haven’t really done that except for [Tuesday] night.”

Wooten said his thumb feels fine but that he is still working to strengthen his wrist.

“I turned 30 and it’s beginning to feel like it,” he said. “I remember when I was 21. Surgery? I’ll be back in a week.”

Closer Troy Percival will pitch a simulated game today and is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday at Seattle.

Brendan Donnelly’s recent success in a set-up role leaves the Angels with some tough decisions about whose roster spot Percival will fill.

Donnelly, a 31-year-old rookie, has given up one hit and recorded 11 strikeouts in six innings of scoreless relief since he was recalled from triple-A Salt Lake on July 13. He worked two shutout innings Wednesday.

“I’m throwing my slider more and locking in on every pitch,” said Donnelly, who signed his first pro contract in 1992 and played in six organizations and with two independent teams before signing with the Angels last season. “I’ve been fortunate to get some opportunities and I’ve come through. That’s what’s important to your teammates.”

Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman said he is not surprised by the performance of Donnelly, Scot Shields and Scott Schoeneweis in the bullpen.

He also said their recent outstanding performances against Seattle and Oakland would not necessarily stop the Angels from seeking help through a trade.

“You’re always trying to upgrade,” Stoneman said. “If we can do something bullpen related or with another position that is going to help us, we’re going to look at it.”

TODAY

ANGELS’

RAMON ORTIZ

(9-7, 3.73 ERA)

vs.

ATHLETICS’

CORY LIDLE

(3-8, 5.08 ERA)

Edison Field, 1

TV--Fox Sports Net.

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

Update--Ortiz is 0-4 in his career against the Athletics. He is 0-2 against them this season with a 5.11 earned-run average.