Percival Awaits Update

BALTIMORE — As closer Troy Percival awaits word from specialists who will recommend whether his injured hip will require surgery, he said he is confident that the degenerative condition will not preclude him from returning to the Angels, whenever that might be.

“It’s not to the point where it’s career-threatening,” Percival said Wednesday.

Percival said Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Angels’ medical director, has forwarded MRI results to specialists for consultation.

Percival said he anticipates a recommendation either for continued therapy, in the hope of returning sometime next month, or for surgery, which could jeopardize his chance to return this season.

General Manager Bill Stoneman said doctors have been unable to find another pitcher who had the same injury, so there is no precedent in establishing an outlook or timetable for treatment.

Stoneman called surgery “a last resort,” and Percival said pain has diminished in the hip in recent days. “I seem to have turned a corner,” he said.

Said Manager Mike Scioscia: “Surgery hasn’t been ruled out, but we’re hoping for the best. We have to see how he progresses in building back his strength and if he can compete at this level with it.”

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Center fielder Darin Erstad reported no problems after another strenuous workout, and Scioscia said the Angels could send him on a minor league rehabilitation assignment as soon as this weekend.

Erstad, out since April 19 because of a hamstring injury, hopes to rejoin the lineup June 9.

ON DECK

Opponent--Tampa Bay Devil Rays, four games.

Site--Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Radio--KSPN (710) all games, KWKU (1220) tonight and Friday, XKAM (950) Saturday and Sunday.

TV--ESPN2 tonight.

Records--Angels 24-26, Devil Rays 20-31.

Record vs. Devil Rays--2-1.

Tonight, 4:15, PDT--Jarrod Washburn (4-5, 3.52) vs. Victor Zambrano (1-2, 6.08).

Friday, 4:15 p.m. PDT--John Lackey (3-4, 5.98) vs. Dewon Brazelton (0-4, 5.83).

Saturday, 3:15 p.m. PDT--Kevin Appier (3-2, 5.59) vs. Joe Kennedy (3-4, 5.83).

Sunday, 10:15 a.m. PDT--Aaron Sele (1-3, 9.00) vs. Carlos Reyes (0-1, 5.14).