Appier Finally Feels Sharp

After several erratic performances, Kevin Appier on Monday showed the form the Angels envisioned when they traded Mo Vaughn for the veteran right-hander.

Appier worked out some mechanical problems and gave up two hits in five scoreless innings in a 4-3 exhibition victory over the Oakland Athletics. Appier struck out five and walked two.

“I felt a lot better, a lot more normal,” said Appier, who started the game with an 11.57 earned-run average in seven innings over three appearances. Appier, 34, has a 147-115 record and a 3.63 ERA in 13 seasons. He went 11-10 with a 3.57 ERA last season for the New York Mets and was unbeaten in his final 12 starts, with six wins and six no-decisions.

But Appier did not look the part in his first three outings. In his previous start, last Wednesday against the San Diego Padres, Appier gave up five runs, five hits, walked three and hit a batter in two-plus innings.

“My location was 10 times more consistent today,” he said. “Still, it could be better.”

Manager Mike Scioscia was happy with Appier’s progression.

“His stuff is picking up to where it’s very, very crisp,” Scioscia said. “He put it together with command today.”

Catcher Jorge Fabregas played for the first time since a foul ball hit him on his right big toe March 9.

“I’ve got size 13 feet, so my foot is a big target,” Fabregas said. “I got hit a million times on the toe, but this one just hit me square.”

He lost the nail and was unable to wear a shoe on his right foot until Saturday. He wore a protective flap fashioned from a shin guard over the toe area of his right cleat Monday and caught two innings. He also had a sacrifice bunt in the ninth inning that set up Jose Nieves’ game-winning sacrifice fly to center field.

“I didn’t have any problems today,” Fabregas said.

First baseman Shawn Wooten, who injured the joint in his right thumb, was examined in Los Angeles and will undergo surgery today, General Manager Bill Stoneman said.... Designated hitter Brad Fullmer hit his second home run of the spring, a two-run shot against former Angel Mike Fyhrie that tied the score, 3-3.... Aaron Sele is scheduled to start today against the Padres. The last time Sele faced them, on March 9, he hit Ryan Klesko, precipitating the first of two brawls. Sele was one of seven players suspended or fined for their roles in the brawls.... Scioscia said that third baseman Troy Glaus, who has not played since straining an abdominal muscle last Thursday, will probably sit out tonight’s game, then take advantage of the Angels’ scheduled day off Wednesday and return to the lineup Thursday against the Colorado Rockies.