[0] ANGELS NOTEBOOK: MERCKER GRATEFUL FOR SUPPORT OF FANS.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - Pitcher Kent Mercker, undergoing evaluation and tests at UC Irvine Medical Center after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage Thursday, issued a statement Tuesday:

``My wife Julie and I would like to express our deepest gratitude for all the supportive responses we've received in the past week. The thoughts, messages and prayers have meant a great deal to our family. We also want to say thanks to the staff at UCI Medical Center, my teammates and the Angels organization for being there every step of the way.

``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. Again, words can't convey our appreciation.''

Mercker, who was transferred from intensive care to a private room Monday, was visited Tuesday by Troy Percival and Darin Erstad.

--In DiSarcina's absence: The Angels opened up a spot on the 40-man roster by outrighting catcher Bret Hemphill to Triple-A Edmonton. Justin Baughman is a candidate to fill the opening, as the Angels are in need of a backup shortstop with Gary DiSarcina on the disabled list and Benji Gil moving to the starting spot.

Baughman has moved from second base to shortstop at Double-A Erie, but it's not a big adjustment - Baughman began his career as a shortstop. He has played 13 games at shortstop for Erie and has impressed the Angels' minor-league staff.

Baughman played in 63 games for the Angels in 1998, but he broke his leg in five places playing in the Mexican Winter League later in 1998 and missed all of 1999. He was notably rusty in spring training but seems to have regained the form that had the Angels excited in 1998.

Results from Monday's angiogram performed on the right shoulder of DiSarcina were negative, meaning no aneurysm was found. DiSarcina has grown frustrated by the lack of a diagnosis but knows that he isn't capable of playing in his current state.

``I've been poked, prodded, zapped, zipped and nuclear-tested,'' he said last week. ``They can run all the tests they want, but when I walk out of the doctor's office, I still have a sore shoulder.''

There is growing concern DiSarcina's injury could be serious enough for surgery.

ANGELS vs. BALTIMORE

Time: 7:05 p.m., at Edison Field

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net; KLAC-AM (570), XPRS-AM (1090)

Matchup: Scott Schoeneweis (4-2, 5.06 ERA) will start for Anaheim and try to snap his losing streak at two games. Schoeneweis was 4-0 with a 3.43 ERA before losing 8-2 to Seattle and 13-11 to Texas. Pat Rapp (3-2, 5.45) will start for Baltimore.

- Joe Haakenson

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Box: Angels vs. Baltimore (see text)