A Timetable for Edmonds’ Return Is Set

Jim Edmonds, on the disabled list with a strained right rib cage, will not leave with the Angels on their seven-game road trip, but will possibly join the team during it. Before that, though, Edmonds will make at least one rehabilitation start.

“He will face live pitching before he’s activated,” Manager Terry Collins said. “He will get a couple days as a designated hitter. I’m not worried about his play in center field.”

Edmonds hit off a tee Saturday and will likely hit against a pitching machine today. But he took it easy Sunday.

“I just went out and got some fresh air,” Edmonds said. “It was still a bit tight. I feel a little better, but I’m not going to press the issue.

Edmonds said he expects to begin his rehabilitation stint at the end of the week or over the weekend.

“I keep asking them, but they don’t tell me anything,” Edmonds said “It’s a day to day thing, so I guess I’ll just keep doing things day to day.”

The rest has also helped Edmonds’ numerous other injuries.

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Orlando Palmeiro, making a rare start Saturday, began the Angels’ game-winning rally, although he didn’t score. Palmeiro singled to right with one out in the eighth inning, then was out at second on a Gary DiSarcina ground ball. The Angels then scored three runs.

“That was a great at-bat [by Palmeiro],” Collins said. “He got that whole inning started for us. He’s a tough little out.”

Palmeiro also made two catches at the fence.

“If I was an expansion team, I certainly would have him on my list,” Collins said. “I hope they don’t because he’s a nice fit here. He fills a lot of roles for us.”

Palmeiro was back in the lineup Sunday as a last-minute replacement for Tony Phillips, who was arrested early Sunday morning for possession of cocaine.

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Collins said he had only one criteria for baseball’s possible realignment.

“If it’s good for baseball, then I’m for it,” Collins said. “I never thought interleague play was a good idea until I saw we needed a jolt. I started thinking about that last year and could see there was a need for it.

“I’ve always been a big traditionalists. I liked two uniforms, white and gray, and I like one hat. But if the game has to change, then I have to change with it.”

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Mark Langston did not have stiffness in his left elbow Sunday, a day after throwing for 25 minutes in the bullpen. Langston, who is recovering from May 27 elbow surgery, suffered a setback two weeks ago after elbow stiffness forced the Angels to cancel his third rehabilitation start.

Collins said Langston is still scheduled to start for Lake Elsinore against San Jose Thursday.

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Tim Salmon’s second-inning home run Sunday was the 141st of his career, tying him with Don Baylor for fourth on the Angels’ all-time list. Brian Downing leads with 222.