He Hasn’t Lost Sight of What’s Important

One reason Kevin Appier is finding success in his first season with the Angels is because he has yet to feel lost.

At least, that’s what the veteran right-hander said Thursday, the day after another strong performance. Appier gave up two runs and six hits and struck out four in seven innings, but did not figure in the decision Wednesday night when the Angels defeated the Detroit Tigers, 3-2.

“I’ve had to make some subtle adjustments but I haven’t gone through a major stretch where I’m totally lost out there, which can happen,” said Appier, who was acquired in a trade for Mo Vaughn in December. “I just keep working on drills in the bullpen to keep that consistency going.”

Appier, 34, is 3-1 with a 2.83 earned-run average. His scoreless-innings streak ended at 172/3 when he surrendered a run-scoring single to Robert Fick in the sixth. It was the longest such streak by an Angel starter since Chuck Finley went 191/3 innings in 1998.

“He was hitting spots, throwing a good slider and curveball,” catcher Bengie Molina said. “He’s been doing it all year.”

Manager Mike Scioscia said Appier has given the Angels exactly what they anticipated.

“He’s had one tough start; other than that he’s been everything he was billed as, plus,” Scioscia said. “I think he’s a great example of a pitcher who has kind of gone through a metamorphosis. His stuff isn’t what it was 10 years ago but he’s made adaptations that keep him at peak production.”

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Reliever Donne Wall, on the disabled list since April 29 because of tightness in his right arm, threw a light bullpen session and will throw again Saturday before beginning a rehabilitation assignment, Scioscia said.

Wall is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday.

Utility man Benji Gil, out since April 6 because of a sprained ankle, took ground balls, and Scioscia said he hopes Gil can begin a rehabilitation assignment next week.

“He’s been out long enough that right now he’s in a spring training mode,” Scioscia said. “We’ll elevate his workload slowly to get him to peak.”

First baseman Shawn Wooten, who tore ligaments in his right thumb during spring training, will be examined today and is hoping to receive medical clearance that will allow him to take batting practice.

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Three people were hospitalized and 12 others were treated at Edison Field after a stadium escalator malfunctioned and began moving at three times its normal speed after Tuesday night’s game against Detroit, Angel spokesman Tim Mead said.

The incident occurred on the Gate 4 terrace-level escalator, Mead said.

One of the three people taken to UC Irvine Medical Center suffered a broken leg or ankle, Mead said.

The escalator remained shut down Thursday while stadium personnel investigated the cause of the incident, Mead said.

ON DECK

Opponent--Chicago White Sox, three games.

Site--Edison Field.

Tonight--7.

TV--Fox Sports Net on Saturday and Sunday.

Radio--KPLS (830), XPRS (1090).

Records--Angels 17-16, White Sox 21-14.

Record vs. White Sox (2001)--6-3.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

SCOTT

SCHOENEWEIS

(1-4, 6.03 ERA)

vs.

WHITE SOX’

DAN

WRIGHT

(3-3, 5.17 ERA)

Update--The White Sox added Kenny Lofton in the off-season and have been one of the best offensive clubs in the American League. Former Dodger Paul Konerko, outfielder Magglio Ordonez and designated hitter Frank Thomas lead the White Sox, who are in second place in the AL Central, one game behind Minnesota. Schoeneweis gave up four runs in seven innings in his last start, a 4-1 loss at Toronto that ended the Angels’ eight-game winning streak.

Saturday, 7 p.m.--Angels’ Ramon Ortiz (3-3, 2.44) vs. Jon Garland (4-1, 5.54).

Sunday, 1 p.m.--Jarrod Washburn (3-2, 3.86) vs. Gary Glover (0-0, 2.70).

Tickets--(714) 663-9000.