Matthews hires second attorney in HGH case

As Gary Matthews Jr. retained a second lawyer amid allegations he ordered human growth hormone, the district attorney leading the investigation indicated he probably would not prosecute Matthews but might need months before deciding whether to call him as a witness in a possible trial.

The two developments could push the Angels closer to imposing a suspension or other discipline upon Matthews, an action that almost certainly would result in a challenge from the players’ union.

“Our timetable is different than that of Major League Baseball,” Albany (N.Y.) County District Attorney David Soares said Tuesday.

Soares said investigators are likely to need much longer than three weeks to review “literally tons of information” collected in recent raids of outlets suspected in the illegal prescription and distribution of steroids and human growth hormone.

The season opens in three weeks, and by then Angels owner Arte Moreno wants a public explanation from Matthews. The center fielder has refused to talk, on the advice of his lawyers, so long as the investigation is ongoing.

Soares said he would not have jurisdiction to prosecute Matthews unless he can show that Matthews lived in Albany County or ordered or purchased any substances while there.

“I am unaware of any exposure Mr. Matthews would have in Albany County,” Soares said. In the case of Matthews or anyone else, Soares said, the lack of jurisdiction “would not preclude us from calling people as potential witnesses” for trials that might not start for six to 12 months.

Soares said he has spoken with Robert Shapiro, the Los Angeles attorney originally hired by Matthews, and Harold McGuire, the New York attorney subsequently retained as local counsel.

McGuire is a former federal prosecutor who represented the players’ union in winning a $280-million settlement from major league owners in 1990, as compensation for collusion in bidding on free agents, according to the biography on his firm’s website.

Fast start

Garret Anderson had three hits, including a home run, in the Angels’ 13-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Anderson has scored eight runs in six games, with six hits in 12 at-bats.

“He’s running as well as I’ve seen him in five years,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “The trick now is the maintenance.”

No matter how good Anderson might look in spring training, Scioscia said he would not waver from his plan to use him as the designated hitter occasionally during the season. He’ll do the same with Vladimir Guerrero, trying to protect the Angels’ two established power hitters.

“I don’t think there’s going to be as much of a rotation as saying, ‘You’re going to DH every Wednesday,’ ” Scioscia said. “But that will be part of the maintenance program for Garret and Vlad. We need them hitting in the middle of the lineup.”

Escobar goes today

Kelvim Escobar is slated to start today, then fly to Venezuela for the birth of his second child, scheduled Friday.

Pitching coach Mike Butcher said the Angels expected Escobar back in time for his next start.

John Lackey is set up to pitch opening day, followed by Escobar, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and Hector Carrasco.

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bill.shaikin@latimes.com