CHICAGO -- The Anaheim Angels finalized their contract with
outfielder Raul Mondesi, who is scheduled to join the team Sunday
for the series finale against the White Sox.
Mondesi, a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner, said Friday he
agreed to a contract that will pay him $1.75 million for the rest
of the season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates terminated Mondesi's contract after he
left them May 7 to return home to the Dominican. At the time,
Mondesi said he was fearful for his family's safety as he fights a
lawsuit by former major leaguer Mario Guerrero.
Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia said there was a chance Mondesi
could play Sunday if he's in condition.
"Hopefully we are going to get a chance to talk to him to see
exactly what he's been going and how he feels," Scioscia said
after the Angels beat the White Sox 5-1 Saturday.
"If he's not at a (injury risk), we will feel very comfortable
getting him in the lineup and playing him. If he is not there, then
we will go to Plan B, which will be to work him out."
The Angels have been hit with injuries to Troy Glaus, Garret
Anderson, Darin Erstad and Tim Salmon and are hoping Mondesi can
add some punch to their lineup. Anaheim still leads the AL West,
despite losing so many key players.
Mondesi batted .283 with two homers and 14 RBIs in 26 games with
the Pirates. He is a career .276 hitter with 266 homers and 229
stolen bases.
Mondesi, 34, broke in with the Dodgers in 1993 and has also
played with the Blue Jays, Yankees and Diamondbacks.
"He gives us another presence in our lineup," Scioscia said.
"It gives us a very productive player that's going to go out there
and be able to swing the bat every day for us whatever position he
is in."
Mondesi initially will be looked at as a center fielder.
"If he is the shape to play center, what we hear he is, it's
going to re-establish some depth that we've been lacking,"
Scioscia said.
To make room for Mondesi on the 40-man roster, the Angels
designated infielder Adam Riggs for assignment. Riggs batted .133
with an RBI in four games with Anaheim.