BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Brown Not Counting on Valenzuela

Club President Richard Brown said he isn’t pinning his hopes on Fernando Valenzuela becoming the fifth starter and will consider other candidates for that spot.

Valenzuela reported to the Angels’ double-A Midland, Tex., farm club Saturday after signing a minor league contract. He was 0-2 in his first attempt at winning a starting job and was released July 5 after refusing to stay in the minor leagues for longer than a 20-day rehabilitation assignment.

The Angels have used a four-man rotation since June 19, after Valenzuela, Joe Grahe and Scott Lewis failed to claim the fifth spot.

Chris Bosio of the Brewers and Ron Darling of the New York Mets have piqued his interest, but Brown deemed the cost too high.

Luis Polonia’s first-inning steal of second base was his first steal since June 26 and his first at home since June 10. . . . Dave Parker’s third-inning single was his first hit in 17 plate appearances. He was two for three, his first multiple-hit game since July 3. . . . Former Dodger Tim Leary’s relief appearance in the eighth was his first after 62 starts dating to July 11, 1989. Leary recently chose to go to the bullpen rather than accept assignment to triple-A Columbus. . . . Yankee second baseman Steve Sax left Sunday’s game after being hit on the left arm with a pitch in the second inning. He expects to play tonight. . . . Left-hander Scott Bailes (sprained right foot) is eligible for activation off the disabled list today.