Scioscia’s Tip for Rodriguez

Francisco Rodriguez, the reliever known for piling up strikeouts, might be a more versatile member of the bullpen if he threw more strikes.

At least that’s the opinion of Manager Mike Scioscia, who on Wednesday said he would like to see Rodriguez throw more of his pitches around the plate to become “more pitch-efficient.”

“I think he’s terrific now, but as he gets more experience, there’s things he’s going to improve on,” Scioscia said. “That might not necessarily translate into the strikeouts we’re talking about, but it might be easier to get easier outs to stay fresher or expand your role as a guy that can do more in a bullpen.”

Rodriguez on Tuesday reached 100 strikeouts in a season faster than any reliever an Angel history -- in 65 1/3 innings -- but because strikeouts require at least three pitches, the right-hander can quickly overexert himself. Rodriguez, 1-1 with a 1.91 earned-run average, has converted 10 of 16 save opportunities and is holding opposing batters to a .179 average.

“What he’s doing now, it’s off the charts,” Scioscia said. “The amount of strikeouts he’s had, the batting average against, the saves he’s gotten us, the holds, he’s been incredible.

“He’ll continue to be incredible in those stats, but they might come in different forms than striking so many guys out. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

*

Troy Glaus, who played in his second rehabilitation game with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, is off to a promising start in his attempt to rejoin the Angels after shoulder surgery.

But when the slugger returns to Angel Stadium, which could be as soon as a few weeks, it will be as a designated hitter instead of his preferred position, third base.

“It’s obviously not my favorite thing to do,” Glaus said. “But at this point, it’s what I can do to help the team.”

Scioscia said the new role could pose a challenge for Glaus. “Physically, it’s different than he’s been used to,” Scioscia said. “He’s sitting around maybe 40 minutes between at-bats.”

Regardless of what position he plays in 2005, Glaus said, he would like to remain an Angel. “Look at the team that’s here,” he said. “I’d love to play here. I’m from here, I like it here, but that’s a decision the front office will have to make.”

*

Scioscia said the Angels might use their four days off over the next five weeks to go with a four-man rotation. If Jarrod Washburn is able to return as scheduled next week, Aaron Sele and Ramon Ortiz might be displaced for much of September.... Rancho Cucamonga outfielder Nick Kimpton and pitcher Richard Thompson played for the Australian team that was awarded an Olympic silver medal Wednesday after losing to Cuba, 6-2.

*

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

100-Strikeout Club

Francisco Rodriguez (100 strikeouts) and Scot Shields (94) are on pace to become the first pair of relievers to reach 100 strikeouts in the same season in Angel history. Rodriguez is the fifth Angel reliever to post 100 strikeouts in a season:

*--* Player Ks Year DeWayne Buice 109 1987 Mark Clear 105 1980 Bryan Harvey 101 1991 Troy Percival 100 1996 Francisco Rodriguez 100 2004

*--*

Note: Rodriguez reached the mark in 65 1/3 innings, fastest among the five relievers (previously Troy Percival in 74 innings pitched in 1996).