Torii Hunter used to be one of the game's most outspoken players on issues of race, but since a story appeared in a March issue of USA Today quoting Hunter calling dark-skinned Latin players "impostors," he has held his tongue on the topic.

His embargo continued Thursday, the 63rd anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color line in baseball.

"It means a lot to me, you know that. But y'all will write it wrong," Hunter said when approached by reporters. "Then, I'll be a racist."

In the article, which appeared in the newspaper on March 9, Hunter is quoted as saying, "People see dark faces out there, and the perception is that they're African American. They're not us. They're impostors."

Hunter said the quote was taken out of context and misconstrued. In the aftermath of the comments, the Angels held a team-only meeting in which Hunter explained himself to his Latin American teammates, according to outfielder Juan Rivera.

"He said he never said that and I believe him. They just put it in the newspaper," Rivera said. "He's a good guy. We don't think he said that."

All major league players wore No. 42 jerseys Thursday, but Hunter took it a step further, wearing blue No. 42 basketball shoes in the pregame workout and white Robinson cleats during the game.

"I don't want to talk for Torii, but I know he was upset by that whole thing," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Everyone who knows Torii knows where his heart is. That’s the best way I can say it."

RIVERA SITS

Scioscia replaced Rivera with Reggie Willits in Thursday's lineup and Rivera said he thought it was a good time for a mental day off. He has one hit in his last 10 at-bats.

"I've been thinking too much, trying too hard and swinging too hard," Rivera said.

DIMINISHED STUFF

Reliever Scot Shields, off to a slow start, said his diminished velocity is a result of aging rather than any lingering pain in his surgically repaired left knee. Shields, 34, continues to throw in the low 90s, but he once touched 95 mph.

"I feel good. I'm not throwing as hard as I used to in the past, but my fastball is moving as well as it has in a year-and-a-half," Shields said.

Shields has allowed six runs in his last three outings.