Molina Has Turned Into Anti-Theft Device

Catcher Bengie Molina entered Saturday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins ranked first in the American League in throwing out runners attempting to steal.

Molina, who sent the game into extra innings with a run-scoring double in the ninth inning, has thrown out 14 of 27 potential base stealers (52%). Last season, Molina threw out only 19 of 79 (24%).

Molina and Manager Mike Scioscia, a former catcher, said Molina improved his throwing mechanics and footwork during spring training.

“My feet were too wide and I was too long with my arm,” Molina said. “The extra work helped me shorten both up. I kind of got into a groove.”

Molina also credited the pitchers. “They’ve been good about throwing over to first and keeping them close,” he said.

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Shortstop David Eckstein did not play for the fourth game in a row, the longest time out of the lineup because of injury in his pro career.

“We don’t want him to get too far away from playing, but you don’t want to put him in a situation he’s not ready for,” Scioscia said of Eckstein, who has a sprained left knee. “It might be that he’s able to hit and run before he’s ready to go play defense.”

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Minnesota reliever Mike Trombley is in the Southland for the first time since he was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on March 30.

Trombley, who signed with the Twins on April 15 and was promoted from triple-A Edmonton on May 15, regrets not having done better for the Dodgers after being traded by the Baltimore Orioles July 31.

“I just didn’t do it for them,” said Trombley, 0-4 with a 6.56 ERA for L.A. “Was anything different? Did the uniform not fit? No. Everything was terrific. It just didn’t go well for me. It was humbling.”

TODAY

ANGELS’

KEVIN APPIER

(5-1, 2.96)

vs.

TWINS’

ERIC MILTON

(6-3, 5.28)

Edison Field, 1 p.m.

TV--Fox Sports Net.

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

Update--Appier has not lost since April 9. Last Monday, he gave up three runs and six hits in 61/3 innings in a 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Milton gave up two runs and seven hits and struck out seven Tuesday in a victory over Texas.

Tickets--(714) 663-9000.