Wise Status Unclear, Others Make Progress

While Angel starters Jarrod Washburn and Aaron Sele made significant progress Wednesday toward a return to the mound, the status of injured pitching prospect Matt Wise remained unknown.

Washburn said he anticipates making his opening-night start as scheduled after throwing off the mound for the first time since spraining his shoulder March 3. Sele, recovering from shoulder surgery, said he felt pain-free after throwing off the mound for the first time this spring.

Angel officials said they could not make a determination on the length of Wise’s absence until the right-hander discussed the results of an MRI on his pitching elbow with Dr. Lewis Yocum, the team’s medical director, who had returned to Southern California.

Wise, competing for a spot as a fifth starter or middle reliever, suffered the injury Sunday when he felt a burning sensation during the last three pitches of a one-inning outing against the San Francisco Giants. He had the MRI on Monday night.

Angel Manager Mike Scioscia said the team could withstand a significant injury to Wise.

“We’re going to have enough arms to look at to fill any voids that are created,” Scioscia said. “You always have to be able to absorb setbacks on an individual basis and as a team.”

Washburn, whose throwing session lasted about 10 minutes, said missing a week shouldn’t be a setback. Scioscia said if Washburn isn’t ready to start the Angel opener, he probably would fill a spot in the rotation later in the first week of the season.

As far as Sele is concerned, Scioscia said, “We’re feeling tangible progress where we can see light at the end of the tunnel.” The veteran right-hander hasn’t pitched since September, when he made only one appearance before sitting out the rest of the season.

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The Angels plan to go with a four-man rotation the first two weeks of the season, leaving room on the roster for a fifth outfielder. That doesn’t mean an outfielder will necessarily fill the position.

“The guy has to be able to play the outfield,” Scioscia said. “It could be a pure outfielder, it could be a utility guy to give you more versatility.”

One such contender is Chone Figgins, an infielder whose blazing speed makes him an attractive option in the outfield. Figgins also has displayed some pop this spring, hitting .364 in 22 at-bats. He had two hits and drove in the winning run Tuesday in the Angels’ victory over the San Francisco Giants.

“He brings a lot of energy, he brings a lot of instant offense,” Scioscia said. “If he can stay as consistent as he is at the positions he’s played, then it’s going to put him in as a candidate for that spot.”

Eric Owens, signed as a free agent in December, will be the Angels’ primary backup in the outfield. First baseman Scott Spiezio is also available to fill in as needed.

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Kansas City center fielder Michael Tucker hit two home runs and drove in five runs Wednesday as the Royals routed the Angels, 11-3, at Surprise Stadium.

Tucker drilled a 3-and-0 pitch from Angel starter John Lackey over the right-field wall and blasted a Troy Percival pitch to straightaway center for a grand slam.

Lackey gave up one walk but voiced mild concerns about his command. “I’ve just got to get ahead,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing for me.”

Scioscia said Percival’s velocity was picking up and the closer was where he needs to be despite giving up three hits and walking two in an inning.

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Center fielder Darin Erstad, who had surgery on his right hand in December, said pain in the hand has begun to subside more quickly after each at-bat.