Colon Still Might Go on Short Rest

Although Bartolo Colon’s balky back will not allow the Cy Young Award candidate to pitch on three days’ rest this time through the rotation, he could pitch on shortened rest Thursday in what could be the critical finale of the four-game series at Oakland.

Colon (20-7), who will pitch on four days’ rest Sunday against Tampa Bay, said last weekend he was “ready for anything.”

Said Manager Mike Scioscia: “First and foremost, when Bart’s ready to go, we’ll get him out there.”

And as far as facing the Athletics?

“It’s something we’ll look at as we get into next week,” Scioscia said.

If Colon did go on short rest against the A’s, he would be fully rested for Game 1 of an American League division series, should the Angels qualify.

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Hitting coach Mickey Hatcher was suspended one game and fined $500 for his “inappropriate actions and comments” during the Angels’ 3-0 victory at Boston on Sept. 8 when he was ejected for arguing.

At the heart of the matter: umpire Larry Young’s granting the Red Sox’s appeal that Orlando Cabrera had left second base early when tagging up for third by calling Cabrera out. Replays clearly showed Cabrera tagging in time.

“When you miss a call like that, you’re going to force an argument from the other team,” said Hatcher, who will serve the suspension tonight. “I’m not going to go out there and say, ‘Nice try, Larry.’

“I was out of control there.”

Hatcher also said he wanted more accountability from umpires who blow calls.

“There’s been a wrong call [against the Angels] in about four different cases with him,” Hatcher said of Young. “I’m sorry for what I did and I deserve the fine and suspension, but my point is they always say the umpires are being monitored. But come on, if you miss a call like that, they should fine him.”

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Garret Anderson was unavailable for the third game in a row because of his sore back.... Colon and utility player Chone Figgins were named co-winners of the club’s Gene Autry Trophy in a vote by the players. The award goes to the player “who most truly exemplifies the qualities of inspirational leadership, sportsmanship and professional ability.” ... A funeral service for longtime Angel and Mighty Duck chaplain Chuck Obremski, who lost a lengthy battle with cancer last Sunday, will be held today at 10 a.m. at Angel Stadium’s Diamond Club.