Bullpen Has Tough Time Closing the Deal

The dark lining in the Angels’ silver cloud Sunday was their bullpen.

The Angels took a 7-1 lead into the ninth inning, but reliever Al Levine couldn’t close the game. He gave up three runs and left with runners on first and second with two out. Closer Troy Percival, pitching for the fifth time in seven days, had to finish, but even he gave up a two-run single.

Levine, Ben Weber and Lou Pote have struggled in recent outings.

“We have had some guys get nicked up lately, but it is not a major concern for us,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “We have a lot of confidence in our bullpen. We have some guys down there scuffling right now. But they will get it back.”

Still, the bullpen is one area General Manager Bill Stoneman may look to upgrade to help the Angels challenge the Seattle Mariners for the West Division title. Another bat for the bench or a first baseman with some power also could help. But seeing needs and filling them are different things entirely.

“More and more money is getting in the way,” Stoneman said. “You don’t see the deals where you trade three young players for an established player as much. You trade contract for contract.”

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Tim Salmon, who sat out the previous two games with a mildly strained right hamstring, returned to the lineup and played right field.

Salmon beat out an infield hit in his first at-bat. He doubled in the sixth inning and was removed for pinch-runner Julio Ramirez.

“If felt all right,” Salmon said. “I didn’t expect to be 100%. You choose situations carefully. The only play I was tested on was the base hit and I governed it a little.”

ON DECK

Opponent--Pittsburgh Pirates.

Site--Edison Field

Tonight--7.

TV--Fox Sports Net today and Wednesday, Channel 9 Tuesday.

Radio--KLAC (570) today and Tuesday, KPLS (830) Wednesday, XPRS (1090) all three days.

Records--Angels 36-24, Pirates 30-32.

Record vs. Pirates--First meeting.

TODAY

ANGELS’ JARROD WASHBURN

(5-2, 3.36 ERA)

vs.

PIRATES’ JIMMY ANDERSON

(5-7, 4.96 ERA)

Update--Angel pitcher Kevin Appier, who had tightness in his right forearm in his last start, had his regular bullpen workout Saturday and will make his scheduled start Tuesday. The Pirates have 44 home runs, the fewest in the National League.

Tuesday, 7 p.m.--Kevin Appier (5-4, 3.62) vs. Josh Fogg (6-4, 3.44).

Wednesday, 7 p.m.--Aaron Sele (6-3, 4.89) vs. Joe Beimel (1-1, 2.30).

Tickets--(714) 663-9000.