McPherson to See Specialist

An MRI test on Dallas McPherson’s lower back revealed a protruding disk, a condition that could sideline the Angel third baseman for another week or two.

Tuesday morning, Manager Mike Scioscia said McPherson’s injury was “not out of the ordinary.” But by early afternoon, McPherson was on a plane heading for Southern California to be examined by Dr. Robert Watkins, a back specialist.

“It’s getting a little better, but we want to make sure everything is intact and I haven’t hurt it any worse,” said McPherson, who hasn’t played since the Angels’ exhibition opener Thursday and was still moving gingerly as he dressed Tuesday. “It stinks, but I’m not really concerned. I’ll get over it.”

As part of his examination, Watkins will compare results of the MRI taken Monday with those of an MRI taken two years ago, when McPherson was sidelined for two months because of a ruptured disk.

McPherson did not have surgery in 2003 but received an epidural shot for the pain. As in 2003, he has begun a special strength and conditioning program that focuses on the abdominal muscles and stabilizing the lower back.

The rookie and heir apparent to third baseman Troy Glaus, now with the Arizona Diamondbacks, said there were similarities to how he feels now and how he felt in 2003, “but this is a lot milder,” he said. “Two years ago, I could barely walk or get dressed.”

McPherson, who hit 40 home runs in the minor leagues last season, is not experiencing any shooting pain in his legs, which can be a symptom of a more serious injury. But there is always a concern that a protruding disk, also known as a herniated disk, can deteriorate and require surgery if not treated properly.

“As long as there’s no setback, I don’t see why I can’t come back in a week or two,” McPherson said.

General Manager Bill Stoneman said the MRI test did not seem to indicate McPherson’s injury was serious.

“It’s going to take a little time to figure it out,” Stoneman said. “We’ll be guided by what the doctors tell us.”

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The Angels got a glimpse of what their future rotation might look like and the view wasn’t bad. Ervin Santana and Steven Shell, the top two pitching prospects in the organization, each threw two scoreless, impressive innings in the Angels’ 11-5 exhibition victory over the Seattle Mariners in Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Santana gave up two singles and struck out five, displaying a crisp fastball and sharp-breaking slider.

Shell gave up a single and a double and struck out one, displaying a strong fastball and a nice overhand curve.

Both are expected to start the season at double-A Arkansas.

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Seattle pitcher Rett Johnson, who has had control problems similar to Rick Ankiel, threw a scoreless -- and adventurous -- third inning. The right-hander threw two pitches behind the back of Steve Finley, and ball four went about 10 feet behind him, the pitch landing closer to the on-deck circle than to home plate....Third baseman Robb Quinlan left batting practice after a bad-hop grounder hit him in the face. Quinlan suffered a cut on the side of his nose but was able to start and score two runs against Seattle....The Angels expect John Lackey, scratched Tuesday because of a blister on his right index finger, to throw in the bullpen Thursday or Friday and be folded back into the rotation Sunday or Monday....Scioscia said catcher Bengie Molina, sidelined because of tightness in his left calf, would return to the lineup today or Thursday....Greenway High in Phoenix will retire Tim Salmon’s jersey in a ceremony tonight.