BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Parker Has New Option to Consider

Instead of renegotiating or extending Dave Parker’s contract, the Angels have agreed to give him back the option year on his contract, which increases his leverage in future salary talks.

Parker will be eligible for arbitration after this season. However, because he took advantage of free agency during the past five years, he won’t become a free agent again unless the Angels fail to offer him a new contract.

His contract calls for a salary of $1.4 million this season and had a clause giving his club an option for 1992 at $1.4 million with a $225,000 buyout. With a good season, he could command far more than $1.4 million next year.

“I’m taking a gamble on staying healthy and possibly having the numbers to have a more permanent relationship with this club, or open the doors somewhere else,” said Parker, who will turn 40 in June. “I love it here. This is a first-class organization and I want to be part of it.”

Right-hander Bert Blyleven, who underwent rotator cuff surgery Tuesday, said he intends to return next season. “It’s going to take time and a lot of therapy and patience, but I’ll be back,” said Blyleven, who turned 40 on April 6. “I think sometimes people put too much emphasis on age. They don’t know what’s inside a person’s heart. Until I prove to myself I can’t, which I don’t think I will, I know I’m going to pitch on the major league level again.” . . . Shortstop Dick Schofield sat out Thursday because of a tight right groin muscle. The rest was precautionary. . . . Dave Winfield (strained right hamstring) missed his third consecutive start. . . . Left-hander Bob McClure pronounced his torn shoulder muscle fully healed. He pitched two simulated innings Thursday, his second such exercise in three days.