Team to Probe Informally

The Angels said they plan to begin their own investigation into an alleged sexual assault by pitcher Jarrod Washburn. The Orange County district attorney Wednesday declined to file charges against Washburn, who was under investigation by Anaheim police for 10 days.

“Now that the criminal situation has been decided, we’ll certainly begin an informal investigation,” said Tim Mead, Angel vice president of communications.

The Angels are concerned about any possible security breakdowns at Edison Field, according to Mead.

“We’re concerned if a fan gets onto the field, so we’re certainly concerned if there’s a possibility of anything more serious.”

Washburn left the Angels to be with his family Tuesday, when the allegations became known. He rejoined the club Wednesday and will make his next scheduled start tonight against the Texas Rangers.

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Third baseman Troy Glaus returned to the lineup after sitting out two games because of sprained middle and ring fingers on his left hand.

Manager Mike Scioscia inserted Glaus into the No. 2 spot in the order after deciding to give slumping center fielder Darin Erstad a rest. Erstad, mired in a nine-for-41 skid, was “available” for pinch-hitting or defensive relief, Scioscia said.

Of Glaus, Scioscia said, “He’s not 100%, but he’s well enough to play.”

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The Angels won a coin flip Thursday and would host a one-game playoff if they tied the A’s for the AL West championship. The Angels lost a flip to determine the site of a one-game playoff against the Seattle Mariners for the wild-card winner.

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Division series playoff tickets will go on sale starting at 9 a.m. on Sept. 21, the Angels announced. Tickets are available at the Edison Field box office, ranging in price from $10 (left and right field pavilions) to $50 (Diamond Club seats). A minimum of eight tickets per person per game may be purchased on a cash-only basis.

Tickets also will be available from TicketMaster at (714) 663-9000 and at the Angels’ website, www.angelsbaseball.com.

ON DECK

Opponent--Texas Rangers.

Site--Edison Field.

Tonight--7.

TV--Fox Sports Net tonight, Channel 11 Saturday, ESPN2 Sunday.

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

Records--Angels 91-55, Rangers 69-77.

Record vs. Rangers--8-5.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

JARROD WASHBURN

(17-5, 3.32 ERA)

vs.

RANGERS’

JOAQUIN BENOIT

(3-3, 5.01 ERA)

Update--The Rangers, out of playoff contention, took four consecutive games from Seattle, damaging the Mariners’ playoff hopes.

Saturday, 1 p.m.--Kevin Appier (14-10, 3.63) vs. Dennys Reyes (4-2, 6.40).

Sunday, 5 p.m.--Ramon Ortiz (13-9, 3.83) vs. Kenny Rogers (13-7, 3.80).

Tickets--(714) 663-9000.

Elliott Teaford