ANGELS NOTEBOOK: SLOW-HEALING WRIST LANDS FINLEY ON DL.

Byline: Kevin Modesti Daily News Staff Writer

The Angels, who once hoped Chuck Finley's sprained left wrist would heal in time for him to face the Cleveland Indians Tuesday night, instead put the streaking pitcher on the 15-day disabled list before the game.

``That's some more great news for us,'' manager Terry Collins said sarcastically about the Angels' latest setback.

Finley, who has won 10 straight decisions, hasn't been able to throw since he fell while backing up home plate Aug. 19. A cortisone shot Sunday didn't help as much as hoped.

The left-hander was scheduled to undergo an MRI examination Tuesday evening. A similar exam last week may have been clouded by swelling.

``It's stiff,'' Finley said. ``I'm concerned because it has been seven days and I haven't improved much.''

The DL move, retroactive to Aug. 20, is the second this year for Finley, 34. He missed the start of the season with an eye-socket fracture.

Dennis Springer probably will take Finley's turn again Saturday in San Francisco.

Catcher Angelo Encarnacion was purchased from Triple-A Vancouver to replace Finley on the 25-man roster. Encarnacion, a defensive specialist, was acquired from the San Diego Padres in a minor-league trade Saturday.

He already was in Anaheim to work out with the Angels and would have been activated when rosters expand to 40 in September.

Good news (really): Mark Langston and Mark Gubicza said they were encouraged after pitching simulated games Tuesday afternoon. Langston (elbow) threw 79 pitches. Gubicza (shoulder) threw 30.

Gubicza will be back in action first. He's scheduled for two-inning outings Friday and Sunday on a rehab assignment at Single-A Lake Elsinore.

``I'd probably be ready to go Tuesday (from the bullpen against the Colorado Rockies),'' said the Northridge resident, who has been out since April. ``It's good to see the light at the end of the tunnel.''

Wright at home: Jaret Wright, the Indians' starter tonight, is the son of Angels 20-win, no-hit pitcher Clyde Wright and grew up in Anaheim.

``I'm excited about it,'' Wright told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. ``You think about getting to the big leagues and coming home to pitch. But when I left spring training, I didn't think I'd be pitching in Anaheim this season.''

Little ball: The Mission Viejo team that reached the Little League World Series final was introduced and cheered before the game. There were a few boos for manager Jim Gattis.

The specialist: Infielder Randy Velarde, who hasn't played all season after elbow surgery, will be used as a pinch runner beginning Monday.

He'll wear a brace to protect his right arm when he slides.

Good point: Angels president Tony Tavares, a supporter of major-league realignment, said he doesn't mind that one plan would have eastern teams playing in Anaheim only once every four years.

``There'll be less Yankee fans coming to our games,'' Tavares said. ``I don't think I'd be too disappointed with that.''