Rodriguez Suffers Strain

The Angels may be without closer Francisco Rodriguez for at least a short period of time because of mild strain in his right forearm suffered when he pitched one inning against Detroit on Saturday.

Manager Mike Scioscia said that Rodriguez was unavailable Monday and was questionable today. Rodriguez pitched one inning, matching a season-high 24 pitches when he picked up his 10th save in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday. He complained of soreness afterward.

Rodriguez underwent an MRI in Cleveland on Monday and was examined by Mark Schickendantz, the Indians’ orthopedist. He will be re-examined by Angel orthopedist Lewis Yocum on Thursday.

“I felt it after the second pitch [Saturday] and my arm was swollen when I woke up the next day,” said Rodriguez. “It hurt in the shower and it hurt when I tried to play catch. I don’t know when I’m going to throw again, maybe Wednesday, maybe when we get back home.”

Rodriguez said he did not think it was serious.

“I don’t think there is any damage in there, like a ligament,” he said. “I probably threw a bad pitch.”

The wet mound in Detroit -- the game had a 39-minute rain delay -- may have also had an effect. Rodriguez said his back foot slipped a couple of times, but said, “I don’t want to use that as an excuse.”

Scioscia downplayed the injury, but was unsure when Rodriguez would be available.

“He said it is much better than it was yesterday,” Scioscia said. “The MRI was precautionary. We just want to make sure this doesn’t grow into something bigger.”

Scioscia said he would use Scot Shields and Brendan Donnelly as closers.

*

The Angel hierarchy had no worries about handing tonight’s game to Ervin Santana, a 22-year old right-hander who was called up from double-A Arkansas. He will make his major league debut tonight for the Angels.

“What I like about him is his composure,” Angel pitching coach Bud Black said. “He has a lot of poise for a young guy. That calmness will obviously benefit him in the long run.”

Santana, who was 5-1 with a 2.31 earned-run average in seven starts at Arkansas, will probably get two starts while Kelvim Escobar is on the disabled list because of a bone spur in his right elbow.

“In spring we didn’t know where he fit on the depth chart,” Scioscia said. “His talent was eye-opening.”

The Angels optioned Chris Prieto to Salt Lake City to make room for Santana.

*

ANGELS TONIGHT

ANGELS’

ERVIN SANTANA

vs.

INDIANS’

SCOTT ELARTON

*--* THE MATCHUPS 2005 2004 VS OPP TEAMS/PITCHERS W-L ERA TEAM W-L IP ERA ANGELS/Ervin Santana (R) -- -- -- -- -- -- Cleveland/Elarton (R) 0-2 7.47 2-4 0-1 6.0 9.00

*--*

Jacobs Field, 4 PDT

TV -- FSNW. Radio -- 710, 1020.

Update -- Santana, 22, follows in the footsteps of Frank Tanana, who was 20 when he made his first start for the Angels, and Jim Abbott, who was 21. Santana had 32 strikeouts in 39 innings pitched in seven starts for double-A Arkansas.

*

-- Chris Foster