Phillips to See Union Doctor

Tony Phillips’ status should become clearer today after the Angel leadoff batter, who was arrested on felony possession of cocaine charges Sunday in Anaheim, is examined in New York by a doctor representing the Major League Baseball Players Assn.

Phillips, who met with a doctor representing major league baseball Thursday, is expected to offer to submit to regular drug testing, and he would also consider some type of outpatient treatment program if that appeased baseball officials.

But it’s doubtful Phillips will agree to enter an inpatient drug-counseling program, which could require a two- to four-week stay on the disabled list, if baseball doctors recommend it.

Earlier in the week, Manager Terry Collins said he “expected” Phillips to return to the lineup after meeting with baseball doctors. Collins said Friday he “hoped” Phillips would return for tonight’s game at Baltimore.

“I’m not going to commit to any lineup right now,” Collins said. “I’m not going to speculate.”

Several different scenarios could develop after today’s meeting, but almost all of them include Phillips returning to the team. Doctors could deem Phillips OK, or accept his offer to be tested and attend counseling sessions, and he could resume playing.

Doctors could recommend Phillips enter a drug rehabilitation program, and Phillips could comply, returning to the team after a stint on the disabled list or playing while attending counseling sessions on an outpatient basis.

Doctors could recommend a rehabilitation clinic and Phillips could refuse, returning to the team and playing while fighting the charges through the legal system.

Or, the Walt Disney Co. could choose to take a stand, releasing or suspending Phillips on grounds that he violated the morality clause in his contract--they’re standard in all player contracts--or because the company decides it will not tolerate a drug arrest.

But the players’ union would respond by filing a grievance on Phillips’ behalf, and the Angels are convinced they would not win such a legal battle.

Whatever happens, General Manager Bill Bavasi is confident the Phillips situation will not have a major impact on the team. But he’s also aware that it could be a detriment to the club.

“I’ve seen this club handle tough times, and I believe this group of players would be more concerned by poor player or a losing streak than with what happens to one guy,” Bavasi said.

“It’s not that they don’t care about Tony, they do. But for these guys, this is just a blip on the screen. An issue with one player is not going to bring down the whole group. It shouldn’t affect the club, but if it does, it will be in a negative way, because nothing positive can come from this.”

*

After throwing five scoreless innings in a Class-A rehabilitation start Thursday night, Mark Langston, trying to return from May 27 elbow surgery, said he hoped to return to the Angel rotation “Tuesday or Wednesday if everything goes well.”

But Collins emphasized that Langston will make at least one more rehabilitation start, probably for triple-A Vancouver, before being activated.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Baltimore Orioles, three games.

* Site--Camden Yards, Baltimore.

* Tonight--4 p.m.

* TV--Channel 9 tonight, Sunday and Monday.

* Radio--KTZN (710).

* Records--Angels 68-53, Orioles 74-43.

* Record vs. Orioles--4-4.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ KEN HILL (6-9, 5.09 ERA) vs. ORIOLES’ SCOTT ERICKSON (14-5, 3.33 ERA)

* Update--The Angels catch a bit of a break in that Oriole All-Star second baseman Roberto Alomar, who was eligible to come off the disabled list Friday, will be sidelined for at least another week because of a strained right groin. But they will have to face pitchers Mike Mussina and Scott Erickson, who, along with Jimmy Key, have combined for a 40-17 record and 3.17 ERA. Starting pitching has been an Oriole strength, but the bullpen has also been strong with 47 saves. Randy Myers got his 35th save Friday. Baltimore’s six blown saves, meanwhile, are the fewest in the major leagues--the Orioles haven’t blown a save since July 5--and relievers have given up only one home run since July 20. With Jason Dickson suffering from shoulder stiffness, Allen Watson and Dennis Springer will start on three days’ rest.

* Sunday, 10:30 a.m.--Allen Watson (10-7, 4.59) vs. Rick Krivda (1-0, 6.75).

* Monday, 4:30 p.m.--Dennis Springer (8-5, 5.35) vs. Mike Mussina (13-5, 3.28).