Kennedy Feeling No Pain

Adam Kennedy isn’t sure if his robust average this past month is related to the strength of his right knee, but seven months to the day after surgery to repair two torn ligaments, the Angel second baseman began feeling -- and hitting -- a whole lot better.

Kennedy, who spent April completing his rehabilitation from Oct. 15 surgery, was batting .226 in nine games through May 14, struggling to find his timing at the plate while adjusting to the bulky brace on his knee.

In his next 27 games, Kennedy hit .360 (31 for 86) with 19 runs and 12 runs batted in, raising his average to .322 entering Tuesday night’s game against the Nationals. In the last 16 games of that stretch, Kennedy hit .449 (22 for 49) with 15 runs and played an integral role in the Angels’ offensive resurgence.

“They told me the seven-month mark [after surgery] would be a big turning point, and it was, almost to the day,” Kennedy said. “I noticed a big difference in not feeling the effects of anything. I have to remind myself to do my knee exercises because I forget. There’s just no soreness at all.”

Kennedy has grown so accustomed to his knee brace that “it’s part of the uniform now,” he said. He may be a step slower to first base because of the brace, but Kennedy has no plans to discard it this season.

“I think I’ll play out the year and be safe,” Kennedy said. “I’ve learned to live with it, and I’d rather deal with a brace than another injury. Next year, I’ll get rid of it.”

*

Pitcher Kelvim Escobar, on the disabled list because of a bone spur in his elbow, stressed Tuesday that he would have the final say in any decision to have surgery and that he was not being pressured by the Angels to pitch with the condition rather than undergo an operation that could sideline him for two months.

“It’s all in my hands -- it’s my decision,” said Escobar, who could be out until the All-Star break. “We’ve talked about it, and they’ve been very careful with me. They’ve been great with me.”

Said Manager Mike Scioscia: “Any decision is between Kelvim and the medical department ... and when you come to a conclusion that the only way to fix something is through surgery, that becomes apparent. But we’re not there yet.”

*

Two reasons the trade rumors involving Kansas City’s Mike Sweeney have cooled: Royal owner David Glass, according to a league source, is strongly considering retaining the first baseman, who is batting .298 with nine homers and 37 RBIs, and Kansas City is believed to be seeking at least three players, a combination of young major leaguers and premium prospects, for Sweeney, a steep price for a slugger who is signed through 2007 at $11 million a year.