Minor Injury Slowing Salmon

Tim Salmon was scratched as a starter from Friday’s game with what Manager Mike Scioscia called a mild strain of the hamstring in his right leg. Salmon, who was pulled for a pinch-runner after doubling in the ninth inning Thursday against the Texas Rangers, was examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum afterward.

Salmon, who struck out as a pinch-hitter to end the eighth inning of Friday’s 4-3 victory over Cincinnati, said the injury is minor.

“Scioscia’s way is the logical way,” Salmon said. “He’s going to err on the side of caution.”

Salmon was unsure when he was injured, but said he felt tightness since the team returned Monday from Minnesota. At first, he attributed the problem to playing on the artificial surface at the Metrodome.

“After you play on the turf, you ache all over,” Salmon said. “But this kept bothering me.”

That hasn’t been evident at the plate. Salmon has a season-high nine-game hitting streak. He has batted .459 during the streak and raised his average from .229 to .273.

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More from the he’s-not-injured file: Pitcher Kevin Appier said he felt his arm was fatigued during Thursday’s game.

“My elbow locked up, which made it so I couldn’t finish my breaking ball,” Appier said.

Appier consulted with Yocum and trainer Ned Bergert, who suggested changes in his delivery. Appier said he has had the same problem in the past.

“I had never consulted a doctor about it before,” Appier said. “It’s a good news, bad news thing. I haven’t been pitching well the last few starts and now I know why. There are two bones in my arm that don’t roll right when I make a certain pitch.”

Appier lasted only 2 1/3 innings, giving up seven runs, in the 9-8 loss to the Rangers.

“He had a little tightness in his forearm.... but it’s not something that should cause him to miss a start,” Scioscia said.

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Salt Lake City, the Angels’ triple-A affiliate, had five players suspended for their involvement in Tuesday night’s brawl with Iowa players. Pitchers Brendan Donnelly and Edwin Nina and second baseman Trent Durrington were suspended four games and catcher Jose Molina and pitcher Scot Shields were suspended for three. All five were also fined.

TODAY

ANGELS’

RAMON ORTIZ

(6-5, 3.40 ERA)

vs.

REDS’

ELMER DESSENS

(4-3, 2.51 ERA)

Edison Field, 1 p.m.

TV--Channel 11.

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

Update--Dessens has a 1.39 earned-run average in day games. Ortiz has given up 18 home runs, most in the majors.

Tickets--(714) 663-9000.