Mercker Is Moved Out of Intensive Care Unit

Angel pitcher Kent Mercker, hospitalized since Thursday because of a cerebral hemorrhage, continued to undergo tests to determine the cause.

He issued a statement Tuesday that, in part, read, “My wife, Julie, and I would like to express our deepest gratitude for all the supportive responses we’ve received in the past week. This has been a frustrating and confusing period of time in trying to secure all the answers. I feel pretty good now but believe me, I intend to continue following my doctor’s instructions. I look forward to seeing all of you soon, either in the clubhouse or on the mound.”

The full statement was played on the Edison Field message board during Tuesday night’s game. When it was completed, the crowd cheered.

On Tuesday, teammates Darin Erstad and Troy Percival visited Mercker, who was moved out of UCI Medical Center’s intensive care into a private room the day before.

“It was great to see him laugh and smile,” Erstad said. “It was very encouraging.”

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Shortstop Gary DiSarcina returned from Chicago on Tuesday after a battery of tests by vascular and orthopedic specialists, who attempted to determine the cause of stiffness in his right shoulder. Angel physician Lewis Yocum will study the results and recommend treatment. It is believed that DiSarcina was cleared of all potential vascular problems.

Meantime, infielder Justin Baughman, a possible everyday replacement for DiSarcina at shortstop, was promoted Tuesday from double-A Erie to triple-A Edmonton.

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Cal Ripken Jr., who had tests on his ailing back and received an anti-inflammatory injection Monday in Cleveland, did not play against the Angels on Tuesday, but hoped to play tonight.

The examination showed a floating piece of disk, though Ripken dismissed it as a potential hindrance or a reason for further surgery.

A recent MRI revealed that scar tissue from Ripken’s September back surgery could be causing the irritation.

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Angel pitcher Tim Belcher, who has yet to pitch in the major leagues after offseason surgery below his right elbow, will throw from a mound today. Belcher’s recovery had slowed after recent rehabilitation starts.

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Ken Hill has to watch the sneezes. They really hurt.

He has to be careful getting out of the car. And he can pick up his younger son, but definitely not the older one.

It’s not much, but it is progress for his strained right intercostal muscle, an injury that crippled him a week ago. Predictions for his return to the Angel rotation range from weeks to months.

“They haven’t told me anything, because they don’t know,” Hill said. “I don’t know.”

Tonight

ANGELS’ SCOTT SCHOENEWEIS

(4-2, 5.06 ERA)

vs.

ORIOLES’ PAT RAPP

(3-2, 5.45 ERA)

Edison Field, 7

TV-Fox Sports Net

* Radio--KLAC (570) and XPRS (1090)

* Update--Since his 4-0 start, Schoeneweis is 0-2 with an 8.53 ERA in three starts. In them, he has given up 21 hits, including five home runs, and eight walks in 19 innings. He issued 11 walks in all of April.

* Tickets--(714) 663-9000