Mondesi makes deal with Angels

Outfielder Raul Mondesi has reached a deal to play for the Anaheim Angels just three weeks after walking away from the game, he told the Associated Press on Friday from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The former All-Star and Gold Glover said he got a $1.75 million contract for the rest of the season. He said he will make his debut in center field for the banged-up A.L. West leaders Sunday at Chicago.

“I’m very pleased with the agreement I reached with the Angels,” Mondesi said.

Greg Genske, one of Mondesi’s agents, said he and the Angels were working out the final details of the contract.

“We’ve still got to cross the T’s and dot the I’s, but it will get done,” Genske said. “Raul made the decision he wants to play for the Angels and is excited about playing for the Angels.”

Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia knew general manager Bill Stoneman and Mondesi were speaking.

“I know they have talked about a lot of things. Nothing is finalized and that’s where we are right now,” Scioscia said before Friday night’s game in Chicago.

“We sure hope it’s going to lead him toward coming with us,” he said.

Griffey ties Gehrig with 493rd homer

Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 493rd home run, tying Lou Gehrig for 20th place on the career list.

Griffey hit his 12th homer of the season, a two-run shot off Montreal’s Claudio Vargas in the fifth inning.

The Reds center fielder moved within seven homers of becoming the 20th major leaguer to reach 500 home runs. He is fourth among active players behind Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro.

Griffey hit 398 of his homers with Seattle from 1989-99.

Clement hits three batters in an inning

Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Clement tied a major league record by hitting three batters in the fifth inning of the first game of a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Clement became the 21st pitcher in major league history to hit three batters in one inning and the first Chicago pitcher to do so since Walter Thornton on May 18, 1898.

The last pitcher to hit three batters in one inning was Los Angeles’ Kaz Ishii, who did it last July 23.

Pettitte to be held out of Tuesday start

Houston left-hander Andy Pettitte will miss his scheduled start Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs to rest his strained forearm. Team officials said Pettitte should be ready for his next turn, June 7 at Seattle.

Pettitte hurt his left forearm while pitching in the fourth inning of Wednesday night’s game against the Cubs. He was clearly distressed by the end of the fourth, wincing in pain as he walked off the mound.

Devil Rays call up McGriff

Hoping to add some offensive pop and depth, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays called up Fred McGriff from Triple-A Durham.

The 40-year-old slugger has 491 career homers, and is trying to become the 20th player in major league history to make it to the 500-home run milestone.

Clearing the bases

San Diego Padres slugger Ryan Klesko was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained muscle in his rib cage. . . . First baseman Nick Johnson was activated from the 15-day DL and placed in the lineup to make his Montreal debut Friday night. . . . The Kansas City Royals activated infielder Tony Graffanino from the DL and sent struggling left-hander Brian Anderson to the bullpen. The Royals also designated infielder-outfielder Mendy Lopez for assignment. . . . The Chicago Cubs put outfielder Tom Goodwin and pitcher Todd Wellemeyer on the DL and called up shortstop Rey Ordonez from Triple-A Iowa.