Rainout Provides Ray of Sunshine for Angels

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —  After struggling to find starters, the Angels are near a period of pitching prosperity.

Chuck Finley, who began the season on the disabled list because of a hyper-extended left big toe, was announced as the starter for Wednesday’s game at Oakland. That decision was tentative until Finley threw Sunday morning, before rain caused the postponement of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals.

“He threw fine. It’s all systems go,” pitching coach Marcel Lachemann said.

Joe Grahe, scheduled to start Sunday, will instead open the Angels’ three-game series tonight at Oakland. Julio Valera, Wednesday’s original starter, will move to the bullpen. He probably will be sent to triple-A Edmonton when Finley is activated, but Manager Buck Rodgers said he will delay a move as long as possible. Rodgers will also have to make a move when Mark Langston (sore left hip) returns next Sunday.

“You never make decisions ahead of time. Sometimes they take care of themselves,” Rodgers said.

The decision to postpone Sunday’s game was made at 2:24 CDT.

“You want to play when you’re playing well and the other team’s struggling,” said Rodgers, whose team has won seven of its last eight games and five of six on this trip. “But the bullpen could use the day off.” The Royals are 1-11.

Finley probably will try to pitch five innings, wearing protective padding around his toe.

“I’ve been ready to go ever since spring training started and I did all that work, and one bunt in the Freeway Series meant I had to start all over,” said Finley, who was recovering from off-season toe surgery when he stubbed it while running to first base during the exhibition finale.

“It’s been frustrating. It’s difficult sitting. You can cheer from the bench, but I might as well get a seat up behind the dugout,” he said. “I feel like I can contribute a whole lot to this team.”