ROYALS RELIEVER ON WAY?

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - The Angels' ongoing search for bullpen help now apparently is aimed at Kansas City Royals closer Roberto Hernandez, who would serve as Troy Percival's primary setup man.

Hernandez, 37, is in the final year of his contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season. He is making $6 million this year, meaning any team that acquires him would be responsible for about half that salary and risk losing him after the season.

Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said many teams might be reluctant to part with prospects for high-priced players because of the uncertain labor situation. But that didn't stop a team such as the Yankees, who traded prospects for right fielder Raul Mondesi.

Hernandez missed the first month of this season with a sore elbow, but since being activated May 3 he is 1-0 with a 2.88 ERA and 14 saves in 16 chances. He originally was drafted by the Angels in the first round in 1986 but was traded in 1989 before reaching the big leagues.

He ranks No. 12 on the all-time list with 308 saves and had a career-high 43 saves with Tampa Bay in 1999.

--Salmon back: Right fielder Tim Salmon appears to have regained the confidence that was shaken after the worst season of his career last year. Salmon went into Wednesday's game hitting .280 with 13 homers and 51 RBI, which would put him on pace to match his career averages. Last season, he had just 17 homers and 49 RBI while hitting .227.

``He's 180 degrees from where he was last year,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``Whether you're a veteran or a young player, confidence is an issue. With veterans, it usually tougher to shake their confidence, but last year had an effect on Tim.''

--Also: Brad Fullmer (Montclair Prep of Van Nuys) was not in the starting lineup for the second game in a row because of flu-like symptoms. He was examined by Dr. Craig Milhouse on Wednesday afternoon. ... Garret Anderson was given a ``semi day off,'' starting as the designated hitter. Orlando Palmeiro started in left field in Anderson's place.

ANGELS vs. BALTIMORE

Time: 6:05 p.m., Edison Field.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net; 570-AM, 1090-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: RH Kevin Appier (6-6, 4.52 ERA) will start for the Angels against Baltimore RH Travis Driskill (5-1, 4.12). Appier is 6-9 with a 3.75 ERA in his career against the Orioles. Going into Wednesday's game, the Angels were 29-8 when leadoff hitter David Eckstein scores at least one run.

- Joe Haakenson

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ANGELS vs. BALTIMORE (see text)