Scioscia May Still Use Sele as Fifth Starter

The Angels have not ruled out sticking with Aaron Sele as their fifth starter although the veteran right-hander has a 19.80 earned-run average in his last two outings.

“His stuff was as good as it’s been in five years,” Manager Mike Scioscia said of Sele’s last start, a 1 2/3 -inning appearance Saturday against the Chicago White Sox in which he allowed eight runs -- four earned -- and six hits. “That’s what encourages us.”

Though Scioscia acknowledged that Sele must bear some responsibility for the Angels’ 13-6 loss Saturday, he also pinned the outcome on two errors during Chicago’s eight-run second inning, one made by Sele.

Reliever Scot Shields might be an alternative, but Scioscia said he was reluctant to use Shields because of his importance to the bullpen.

Ramon Ortiz, another option, has gone 4-5 with a 5.47 ERA as a starter, leading to demotions to the bullpen on three occasions. Kevin Gregg, effective in several spot starts last season, has a 5.76 ERA since May and leads the American League with 13 wild pitches.

The Angels will need a fifth starter three times in their final 20 games, starting Thursday in Seattle.

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Kelvim Escobar presented Toronto pitching coach Gil Patterson, his former mentor, with a Rolex last week when the Blue Jays were in Anaheim.

“He helped me with everything, like mechanics, in the tough times,” said Escobar, who struggled occasionally during his seven years with the Blue Jays.

“It wasn’t paying anything back. I thought giving him a watch was a nice thing where he could think about me every time he wore it. He does his job. He doesn’t do anything to get something back.”

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Scioscia moved Vladimir Guerrero to designated hitter Sunday to rest Guerrero’s legs for a day and put Jeff DaVanon in right field. The move left no room in the lineup for Troy Glaus, who has not resumed throwing a ball since undergoing major shoulder surgery in May and cannot contribute in the field. Used exclusively as a DH in 12 games since rejoining the Angels, Glaus has batted .256 with three homers and four runs batted in.... Scott Dunn, resembling a Hooters waitress in tight orange shorts and a T-shirt knotted above the navel, was one of several rookies forced to wear ridiculous-looking outfits on the flight to Seattle. Casey Kotchman wore a woman’s equestrian ensemble, Matt Hensley an Elvis get-up, Dallas McPherson a Superman suit and cape, and Kevin Gregg a Garret Anderson uniform.... Darin Erstad had to leave after the fourth inning with tightness in his lower back, but he is expected to return to the lineup tonight.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Seattle Mariners, four games.

Site -- Safeco Field.

TV -- Fox Sports Net tonight and Wednesday, Channel 9 on Tuesday and Thursday.

Radio -- KSPN (710), KTNQ (1020).

Records -- Angels 81-61, Mariners 53-89.

Record vs. Mariners -- 10-3.

Tonight, 7 -- Kelvim Escobar (9-10, 3.97) vs. Cha Seung Baek (1-2, 7.59).

Tuesday, 7 p.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (11-6, 4.84) vs. Bobby Madritsch (4-2, 3.15).

Wednesday, 7 p.m. -- John Lackey (12-11, 4.83) vs. Ryan Franklin (3-15, 5.30).

Thursday, 7 p.m. -- TBA vs. Jamie Moyer (6-11, 5.09).