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Angels' Santana starts recovery process

By J.P. Hoornstra, Staff Writer
Updated: 05/04/2009 11:31:18 PM PDT

RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Ervin Santana's biggest problem Monday was that he left a couple pitches up in the strike zone.

For a big-league pitcher testing his tender elbow in a Single-A spot start, it was a great problem to have.

Santana allowed four hits, including two home runs, before reaching his 60-pitch allotment in 4 2/3 innings for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in a California League game against the High Desert Mavericks.

His 5.79 earned-run average is an unsightly Single-A souvenir, but Santana left with a smile because, more importantly, he reported no pain in his right elbow afterward.

"Today is fine," Santana said. "Let's see how it feels tomorrow."

Contrary to a generous radar gun at the Epicenter, Santana said the velocity on his fastball was not reaching the mid-90s range he is used to. That might earn him another rehab start before he rejoins the Angels, which was the original plan outlined by Mike Scioscia in April.

Santana allowed a line-drive home run to the Mavericks' Ron Garth in the third inning, but didn't pitch out of the stretch until Travis Scott doubled down the right-field line in the fifth inning. One batter later, Carlos Peguero crushed a changeup over the right-field scoreboard.

After getting a ground ball and a strikeout - his third of the game - Santana exited to a loud ovation from the 2,304 in attendance, tipping his cap to a crowd that once cheered him as an up-and-coming prospect six years ago.

Santana did not walk a batter, and was satisfied with his how his elbow held up in its most significant test of the season.

"I had the same delivery for every pitch and my mechanics were very good," he said. "It was good for me. I was just trying to do my thing."

Santana has yet to pitch for the Angels this year. Monday's outing was his first since he threw 30 pitches in extended spring training five days ago.

"The most important thing is that I feel good and that I'm ready," Santana said. "I don't care about those (home runs), I just want to take care of my arm and I just want to feel better."

Even if Santana couldn't spot his team a lead, Quakes manager Keith Johnson said his team gained something greater.

"It's an opportunity for these guys to see how a major-league guy goes about his business - the way he goes about it once he gets on the rubber, the competition that's in him," Johnson said. "His ability to go out and compete without his best stuff - that's something any of the pitchers can get something out of."

Angels activate Oliver, option Jepsen to minors.

Angels left-hander Darren Oliver was activated from the 15-day disabled list. Oliver went on the DL April 22 with a strained left triceps muscle.

The Angels also activated right-hander Kevin Jepsen from the disabled list and sent him to Triple-A Salt Lake. Oliver takes the roster spot of right-hander Fernando Rodriguez, who was optioned to the Angels' top farm club after its game against the New York Yankees was rained out Sunday.