Lineup Is More Flexible

The Angels have won 12 of 16 games since losing designated hitter Brad Fullmer to a season-ending knee injury. Coincidence? Rex Hudler, the Angels’ television analyst and former major leaguer, thinks not.

Fullmer took a pay cut from $3.75 million to $1 million to return to the Angels. He hit .306 in 63 games, with nine home runs and 35 runs batted in.

In his absence, Manager Mike Scioscia has made Tim Salmon the primary designated hitter and granted more at-bats to Jeff DaVanon. Since the injury to Fullmer, DaVanon is hitting .393 with a .500 on-base percentage while improving the Angels’ defense in right field. And, because Fullmer was limited to DH and first base, Hudler noted Scioscia can make more flexible use of a versatile bench.

“I feel for Brad,” Hudler said. “He worked hard, took a pay cut and was really gearing up for a good year. But I don’t think it hurts the team as much as people thought it would. With Fullmer -- and this is nothing against Brad -- Mike’s hands were tied. I think this is good for the team. It frees up Mike to use those other guys.”

*

In his major league career, Brendan Donnelly has one victory in 86 regular-season appearances. But he was the winning pitcher in two other memorable games -- Game 6 of last year’s World Series, when the Angels overcame a 5-0 deficit with eight outs to go, and Tuesday’s All-Star game. ... Donnelly has faced 186 batters this season and given up no home runs. His 0.38 earned-run average is the lowest at the All-Star break since Bill Landrum of the Pittsburgh Pirates had an ERA of 0.23 in 1989. ... Among American Leaguers with at least 20 innings pitched, the top three in opposing batting average are all Angels -- Troy Percival (.155), Donnelly (.158) and Francisco Rodriguez (.175).

*

When the Angels’ Class-A Rancho Cucamonga affiliate beat eight-time strikeout champion Randy Johnson in his rehabilitation start Tuesday, the winning pitcher was Ervin Santana, 20, who leads the minor leagues in strikeouts. Each pitched six innings, with Johnson striking out six and Santana seven. The right-hander is 10-2 with a 2.53 ERA. ... Triple-A shortstop Alfredo Amezaga, batting .356, has returned from his third stay on the disabled list. ... The Angels signed their second-round draft pick, West Virginia high school left-hander Anthony Whittington, for a $650,000 bonus and have now signed all of their top 10 picks.

*

ON DECK

Opponent -- Baltimore Orioles, four games.

Site -- Camden Yards, Baltimore.

TV -- Channel 9, all games except Sunday.

Radio -- KSPN (710) all games, KWKU (1220) tonight and Friday, XKAM (950) Saturday and Sunday.

Records -- Angels 49-43, Orioles 41-50.

Record vs. Orioles -- 1-4.

Tonight, 4 -- Ramon Ortiz (11-6, 4.41) vs. Rodrigo Lopez (2-5, 5.65).

Friday, 4 p.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (8-9, 4.22) vs. Rick Helling (6-6, 5.65).

Saturday, 4 p.m. -- Kevin Appier (6-5, 4.78) vs. Sidney Ponson (12-5, 3.64)

Sunday, 10:30 a.m. -- John Lackey (6-8, 4.99) vs. Jason Johnson (7-4, 3.82).