Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.

Monday, May 22, 2000

Luuloa makes first
start with Angels

Star-Bulletin wire services

ANAHEIM -- The Anaheim Angels inserted Hawaii's Keith Luuloa into the starting lineup last night in the Angels' 10-6 home loss to Kansas City.

Manager Mike Scioscia insisted the move was made to give a day off to Benji Gil, the backup to regular starter Gary DiSarcina.

"It was just to let Benji have a rest, give him a breather," Scioscia said.

Luuloa, who made his first big-league appearance Wednesday as a pinch runner in the eighth inning and finished the game, sees this as a solid chance to establish himself in the majors.

"I believe I'm here as a utility infielder, a backup... until Mike feels I can play two-three times a week," Luuloa said. "I understand that. My day will come."

Luuloa, a former Molokai High School standout, was challenged just three times in the field and went hitless in three trips to the plate. In one at-bat, Royals third baseman Joe Randa made a diving grab.