Stocker Figures In at Shortstop

Shortstop Kevin Stocker returned to the Angel lineup Friday, but the need for him had ebbed.

The Angels signed Stocker, who was released by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on May 25, to give them an alternative at shortstop. Gary DiSarcina was out for the season because of shoulder surgery, and Benji Gil, signed as a utility player, was struggling at the plate and in the field.

But Stocker missed 15 games because of tendinitis in his left knee. In that time, Gil’s stock went up. He raised his average more than 20 points to .217 and settled down in the field.

“We will use them in some combination,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “That way we can keep them both fresh. Stocker was playing well before he was injured, and Benji Gil has done a heck of a job. If we’re going to get it done, it will be with those two guys.”

A month ago, Gil was batting .196 and ground balls were sometimes an adventure.

“I had always been an everyday player, and it took time to adjust,” Gil said. “I’m feeling more comfortable.

“I think I’m seeing the ball better and I’m swinging at strikes. Defensively, I’m concentrating better on my play.”

Gil went three for four June 24, the day Stocker went on the disabled list. He batted .370 over the next 10 games.

“I think Benji was putting a lot of pressure on himself after Gary was hurt,” Scioscia said. “He doesn’t have to get the big hit every time. I think he figured that out in the last three or four weeks.”

How much playing time Gil will get depends on how well Stocker plays. Stocker showed his defensive skills against Colorado Friday, ranging behind second base to snag a pop-up from Tom Goodwin, then firing to first for a double play that ended the third inning.

“Whether I’m a utility player or playing every day, the important thing is to help the team win,” Gil said.

*

Pitcher Tim Belcher was suspended three games and fined an undisclosed amount of money for his outburst toward home plate umpire Mike DiMuro on June 27.

Belcher was called for a balk in the second inning against Seattle. He became so infuriated that he attempted to get around Scioscia to get at DiMuro. Belcher and Scioscia were ejected.

Belcher, on the 15-day disabled list because of an elbow injury, will begin serving his suspension when he returns.

*

Pitcher Kent Mercker threw off the mound Friday for the first time since suffering a cerebral hemorrhage May 11.

“My legs felt like Olive Oyl’s out there,” Mercker said. “I’m weak.”

Still, it was a step forward. Mercker threw for 10 minutes without a problem.

“My arm felt strong the first six or seven minutes, but the last couple minutes were tough,” Mercker said. “I expected that. But for the amount of time I have been off, I’m ahead of where I thought I’d be.”

*

Pitcher Scott Schoeneweis played long toss again Friday and will throw a simulated game Sunday. He has been out June 17 because of a strained rib cage muscle.

TODAY

ANGELS’ KEN HILL

PITCHER

(4-5, 7.35 ERA)

vs.

ROCKIES’ BRIAN BOHANON

(4-5, 6.20 ERA)

Edison Field, 1 p.m.

TV--Channel 11. Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

* Update--Hill lasted only 2 1/3 innings against Seattle in his last start. He gave up five runs on five hits and walked five batters.

* Tickets--(714) 663-9000.